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Exodus 16

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‹ Chapter 15 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 17 ›

1 On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt, the whole congregation of Israel set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai. 2 And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!" 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. 5 Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days." 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the LORD’s glory, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. For who are we that you should grumble against us?" 8 And Moses added, “The LORD will give you meat to eat this evening and bread to fill you in the morning, for He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD." 9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation of Israel, ‘Come before the LORD, for He has heard your grumbling.’" 10 And as Aaron was speaking to the whole congregation of Israel, they looked toward the desert, and there in a cloud the glory of the LORD appeared. 11 Then the LORD said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’" 13 That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew had evaporated, there were thin flakes on the desert floor, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat. 16 This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’" 17 So the Israelites did this. Some gathered more, and some less. 18 When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat. 19 Then Moses said to them, “No one may keep any of it until morning." 20 But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. 21 Every morning each one gathered as much as was needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much food—two omers per person —and all the leaders of the congregation came and reported this to Moses. 23 He told them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil. Then set aside whatever remains and keep it until morning.’" 24 So they set it aside until morning as Moses had commanded, and it did not smell or contain any maggots. 25 “Eat it today,” Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. Today you will not find anything in the field. 26 For six days you may gather, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, it will not be there." 27 Yet on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find anything. 28 Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep My commandments and instructions? 29 Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. On the seventh day, everyone must stay where he is; no one may leave his place." 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. 31 Now the house of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. 32 Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Keep an omer of manna for the generations to come, so that they may see the bread I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’" 33 So Moses told Aaron, “Take a jar and fill it with an omer of manna. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come." 34 And Aaron placed it in front of the Testimony, to be preserved just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 35 The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land where they could settle; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan. 36 (Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)

‹ Chapter 15 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 17 ›

Study Notes — Exodus 16

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Chapter Summary

The Israelites, having been miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt, soon found themselves facing the challenges of the wilderness. In Exodus 16:1-3, we read that the people complained against Moses and Aaron, expressing their desire to return to Egypt where they had food and water. God heard their cries and responded by promising to provide for them, sending manna and quail to sustain them. The chapter describes the instructions God gave to Moses regarding the collection and use of the manna, as well as the people's response to this provision. In Exodus 16:13-36, we see the Israelites' initial obedience to God's instructions, but also their tendency to disobey and test God's patience. The chapter concludes with the Israelites' preservation of a jar of manna as a reminder of God's provision, and the duration of their wilderness wanderings.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 16 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter follows the Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai, where they received the Ten Commandments and entered into a covenant with God. The wilderness wanderings, including the events of Exodus 16, serve as a testing ground for the Israelites' faith and obedience, and prepare them for their future role as God's chosen people. This chapter also foreshadows the experiences of the Israelites in the Promised Land, where they will face new challenges and opportunities to trust and obey God.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Exodus chapter 16, we are reminded of God's faithfulness to provide for our needs and to guide us through life's challenges. We are encouraged to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult. By learning from the Israelites' experiences, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, contentment, and obedience, and seek to honor God in all aspects of our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of how God provided food for the Israelites in the wilderness. They were hungry and complaining, but God sent them manna, a special bread, to eat. He also sent quail, a type of bird, to provide meat for them. The Israelites were supposed to collect the manna every day, except on the Sabbath, when they were to rest and trust in God's provision. This story teaches us about God's love and care for His people, and the importance of trusting and obeying Him.

Voices from the Church

“The manna was a type of Christ, the bread of life, who satisfies the deepest hungers of the human heart and provides for our spiritual nourishment.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Israelites' experience in the wilderness serves as a reminder of God's providence and care for His people, and the importance of trusting in His goodness and sovereignty.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Wilderness Experience (Exodus 16:1-3) — The Israelites complain about their hunger and thirst, and God hears their cries.
  2. God's Promise to Provide (Exodus 16:4-12) — God promises to send manna and quail to sustain the Israelites, and gives instructions for their collection and use.
  3. The Israelites' Response to God's Provision (Exodus 16:13-26) — The Israelites collect the manna and quail, and are instructed to preserve a jar of manna as a reminder of God's provision.
  4. The Sabbath and God's Provision (Exodus 16:22-31) — The Israelites are reminded to rest on the Sabbath and trust in God's provision, rather than trying to collect manna on that day.
  5. Conclusion and Preservation of the Manna (Exodus 16:32-36) — The Israelites preserve a jar of manna, and the chapter concludes with a summary of their wilderness wanderings.

Core Doctrines

Providence
This chapter teaches us about God's providence and care for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to provide for their needs and guide them through life's challenges.
Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the benefits of trusting and following God's guidance.
Trust
The Israelites' experience in the wilderness serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult.
Gratitude
The chapter encourages us to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, recognizing God's provision and care for us in all aspects of life.

Lessons from Exodus 16

  1. God's Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness to provide for our needs and to guide us through life's challenges, and encourages us to trust in His goodness and sovereignty.
  2. Human Weakness — The Israelites' tendency to complain and disobey God's instructions reveals the weakness and sinfulness of human nature, and the need for God's grace and redemption.
  3. Spiritual Lessons — The chapter teaches us valuable spiritual lessons about trust, obedience, and contentment, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and provision in all aspects of life.
  4. Gratitude and Contentment — The chapter encourages us to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, recognizing God's provision and care for us in all aspects of life.
  5. Sharing God's Love — This chapter reminds us of the importance of sharing God's love and provision with others, and demonstrating His care and faithfulness to those around us.

Themes from Exodus 16

  1. God's Provision — This chapter emphasizes God's provision and care for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to meet their needs and guide them through life's challenges.
  2. Trust and Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, and obeying His instructions in all aspects of life.
  3. Gratitude and Contentment — The chapter encourages us to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, recognizing God's provision and care for us in all aspects of life.
  4. Human Weakness — The Israelites' tendency to complain and disobey God's instructions reveals the weakness and sinfulness of human nature, and the need for God's grace and redemption.
  5. Spiritual Lessons — The chapter teaches us valuable spiritual lessons about trust, obedience, and contentment, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and provision in all aspects of life.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that God has provided for you in the past, and how can you trust in His goodness and sovereignty in the present?
  2. How do you respond to difficult circumstances, and what can you learn from the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness?
  3. What are some areas of your life where you struggle with trust and obedience, and how can you seek to honor God in those areas?
  4. How can you cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment in your life, recognizing God's provision and care for you?
  5. What are some ways that you can share God's love and provision with others, and demonstrate His care and faithfulness to those around you?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Wilderness Experience (Exodus 16:1-3)

16:1 The Israelites journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the Israelites came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt.
16:2 The whole congregation of the Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.

2. God's Promise to Provide (Exodus 16:4-12)

16:4 Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.'
16:5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

3. The Israelites' Response to God's Provision (Exodus 16:13-26)

16:13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.
16:14 When the dew had gone up, there was on the surface of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground.

4. The Sabbath and God's Provision (Exodus 16:22-31)

16:22 On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers each. And when all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses,
16:23 he said to them, 'This is what the Lord has commanded: "Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning."'

5. Conclusion and Preservation of the Manna (Exodus 16:32-36)

16:32 Moses said, 'This is what the Lord has commanded: "Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt."'
16:33 And Moses said to Aaron, 'Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the Lord to be kept throughout your generations.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the manna that God provided for the Israelites?

The manna was a special bread that God sent to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4-12. It was a type of bread that appeared on the ground each morning, and the Israelites were instructed to collect it every day, except on the Sabbath.

Why did God provide quail for the Israelites?

God provided quail to meet the Israelites' need for meat, as described in Exodus 16:13. The quail were a supplement to the manna, and demonstrated God's care and provision for His people.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness?

The Israelites' experience in the wilderness teaches us valuable lessons about trust, obedience, and contentment, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and provision in all aspects of life, as described in Exodus 16:1-36.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Exodus 16:4 → John 6:31 The manna that God provided for the Israelites is a type of Christ, the bread of life, who satisfies the deepest hungers of the human heart and provides for our spiritual nourishment.
2 Exodus 16:13 → Numbers 11:31-32 The quail that God sent to the Israelites are also mentioned in Numbers 11:31-32, where they are described as a provision for the Israelites in the wilderness.
3 Exodus 16:22 → Exodus 20:8-11 The Sabbath regulations mentioned in Exodus 16:22 are also described in Exodus 20:8-11, where they are given as part of the Ten Commandments.
4 Exodus 16:32 → Hebrews 3:1-6 The preservation of the manna is mentioned in Hebrews 3:1-6, where it is used as an example of God's provision and care for His people.
5 Exodus 16:1 → Deuteronomy 8:2-5 The Israelites' journey in the wilderness is described in Deuteronomy 8:2-5, where it is seen as a test of their faith and obedience to God.
6 Exodus 16:12 → Psalm 78:23-25 The provision of manna and quail is mentioned in Psalm 78:23-25, where it is seen as a demonstration of God's power and care for His people.
7 Exodus 16:4 → 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 The manna that God provided for the Israelites is seen as a type of Christ in 1 Corinthians 10:3-4, where it is described as spiritual food for believers.
8 Exodus 16:13 → Matthew 6:25-34 The provision of quail is mentioned in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches about God's care and provision for His people, and encourages them to trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

Sermons on Exodus 16

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson The Worms Shall Crawl Out of Their Holes by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of trust and confidence in various institutions, including the judicial system, school system, and even marriage. He highlights the p
Leonard Ravenhill John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old
Oswald J. Smith The Morning Watch - Part 2 by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time in both reading the Word of God and praying. He encourages listeners to start their day by immersing themselv
David Wilkerson Honoring the Sabbath by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of honoring the Sabbath and how it has personally impacted his life. He emphasizes that while many people may value the legal s
David Wilkerson Let Him That Thinks He Stands Take Heed Lest He Fall by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing his pain and asking God for relief. He then encourages the congregation to look to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith
A.W. Tozer (John - Part 27): The Material Kingdom and the Spiritual Kingdom by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the physical world we live in and the spiritual world of God's presence. He uses the example of the four living crea
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 16:14-24 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of manna in the wilderness as a symbol of Christ as the bread of life. He explains that manna was the sustenance provided by
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 16:1-13 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the temptation that many people face after being delivered from a sinful lifestyle. He shares a story of a man who was a former bootlegger an
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 16:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the manna in the wilderness and its representation of Christ's provision and sacrifice. He explains that the manna was pl
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 16:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of manna in the Bible. He starts by explaining that the Sabbath was given to the Israelites before it became a law, and mann

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 16

In this chapter, we see the Israelites' experience of hunger and thirst in the wilderness, and God's miraculous provision of manna and quail to sustain them. Matthew Henry notes that the manna was a type of Christ, the bread of life, who satisfies the deepest hungers of the human heart and provides for our spiritual nourishment. The chapter also teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult. As Henry writes, 'The greatest trial of the Israelites' faith was their being brought into the wilderness, where they had no visible supply of food, but were fed with bread from heaven.' This trial, and God's provision in response to it, serves as a reminder of God's care and faithfulness to His people, and the importance of seeking His guidance and provision in all aspects of life. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Faithfulness

Throughout the chapter, we see God's faithfulness to provide for the Israelites, despite their grumbling and disobedience. This highlights God's character as a loving and patient Father, who cares for His children even when they are rebellious or ungrateful.

Human Weakness

The Israelites' tendency to complain and disobey God's instructions reveals the weakness and sinfulness of human nature, and the need for God's grace and redemption.

Spiritual Lessons

The chapter teaches us valuable spiritual lessons about trust, obedience, and contentment, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and provision in all aspects of life.

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