Exodus 16

Would to God. Rather, “Would that” (so R.V.).

we did eat bread to the full. Having wandered a whole month through deserts, they had not only consumed the provisions they brought from Egypt, but had probably lost or killed many of their cattle. And the people, as yet weak in faith, reverted discontentedly to the past, and looked despondingly to the future; cp. Numb. xi. 4, 5.

5 sixth day. An indication that the Sabbath was known among the Hebrews before the Law was given at Sinai.

13 quails came up. One of those vast flocks which in spring migrate northwards from Africa and Arabia was brought by God over this spot. See Numb. xi. 31, 32.

15 it is manna. Rather, “they said one to another, What is this?” Others translate: “It is a portion” or “It is a gift” (of God). This provision began just when other food failed, it accompanied the Hebrews in all their forty years’ wanderings, and it ceased on the day after they began to eat the corn of Canaan. It was doubled and preserved every sixth day, and withheld every Sabbath. See Numb. xi. 7, 8. For our Lord’s reference to the event, see John vi. 31, 32.

16 omer. “Omer” is probably the name of a bowl or vessel in common use (vers. 18, 33). As a measure, it occurs only in this chapter; and must be distinguished from the homer.

22 told Moses; i.e., of the double quantity that was found; an expression of astonishment. The Sabbath had, in all probability, been practically disregarded during the years of bondage.

34. Testimony. That is, the Ark of the testimony (see xxv. 16), which was soon afterwards made. This book being written after the ark was made, the fact is anticipated in the history.