Exodus 16
-In the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation (more than
a million people) of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
Grumbling and God’s mercy even in the presence of discontentment becomes the
ultimate theme of this chapter. Their complaints were not really against Moses
and Aaron in the fullest sense. Their protest was against God, which the
Scriptures clearly point out (Exodus 16:7, 8). The fact that God hears their
grumblings and reacts in kindness to provide the manna and quail reiterates the
fact that He was patient and His lovingkindness would never fail in the plan He
was working out. *Application* How quick we are to turn our emotions away from
the truth of the LORD’s sustenance and provision. We can easily forget His
faithfulness and go our own way in frustration and complaint when things seem a
little (or a lot) rough. Don’t let circumstances get the best of you like they
did with the children of Israel. This is where faith is maintained and real
growth occurs in your life. Remember that the LORD still brings tests to see
whether or not you will walk in His instruction (Exodus 16:4). Blessed are you
when you persevere and pass the tests and trials given and allowed by God.
-A clear description is given of the manna, which is a
miraculous provision of food for each morning. The interesting note on this
comes in verses 18-21. “He who gathered much had no excess (Exodus 16:18).”
This refers to hoarding, which the LORD is always against. He taught the children
of Israel not to hoard with storing up excess by making the manna foul and
breeding worms on the next day. This would teach them to gather only what they
needed, which would help them learn to share the abundance with others in the
camp and promote unity. The ones that “gathered little had no lack,” which
demonstrated that enough was enough and no more was required for their contentment
and wellbeing (Exodus 16:18). *Application* This is a clear example in
Scripture of how we as Christians should behave in our generosity. Be willing
to share the wealth that the LORD has given you. Otherwise your heart will be
troubled and you will not be fulfilling all that God has for you (Luke 6:38, 1
Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13:5).
-The Sabbath is given precedence and importance in the
wilderness as a day of rest to be observed. God once again made extra provision
so that obeying His commands would not be strenuous or cumbersome.
*Application* Remember to rest as the LORD commands. It will do your body and
soul well. The tendency is to keep up the hectic pace of our lives in our
modern culture. God tells us to slow down and repose at least one day a week.
Take your Sabbath rest O Christian. God knows that we need that time of
restoration and recuperation.
-The manna would be stored for future generations to see the
bread that the LORD provided for His children by His command. It was to be
placed before the Testimony, to be kept, and later the Ark of the Covenant
(Exodus 25:16; 40:20).
Verse to Memorize:
Exodus 16:2
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