"Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."
Exodus 16:4 is part of the account of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, God speaks to Moses and reveals His plan to provide sustenance for the people in the form of bread from heaven, which is commonly referred to as "manna."
God’s Provision:The verse begins with God’s declaration to Moses that He will "rain bread from heaven" for the people. God, in His infinite mercy and care for His people, promises to provide for their physical needs. The Israelites were in a barren wilderness, with no natural means of sustenance, but God assures them of His provision.
Daily Gathering:God instructs the Israelites that they are to go out and gather a specific portion of bread each day. They were to collect "a certain rate every day," indicating that God would provide for their daily needs. This emphasizes the Israelites’ dependence on God’s daily provision rather than hoarding or storing excess.
Testing of Obedience:God states that the purpose of providing manna and instructing the people to gather it daily is to test them. The test is whether the Israelites will walk in God’s law or not. This implies that God wanted to see if the people would follow His instructions and trust in His provision without grumbling or disobeying.
This verse highlights several important lessons for believers today:
- God’s Provision: Just as God provided for the physical needs of the Israelites in the wilderness, He also promises to provide for His followers today. This provision may not always come in the form of miraculous bread from heaven, but God assures us that He will take care of our needs according to His wisdom and timing.
- Daily Dependence: The Israelites had to rely on God’s daily provision of manna. Similarly, as believers, we should cultivate a daily dependence on God. This means seeking Him in prayer, studying His Word, and trusting in Him for our daily sustenance, both physically and spiritually.
- Obedience and Testing: God used the manna as a means to test the Israelites’ obedience and faithfulness. Likewise, God may allow tests and challenges in our lives to see if we will walk in His ways and trust in His guidance. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our obedience and reliance on Him.
- Gratitude and Contentment: The account of the manna also highlights the importance of gratitude and contentment. The Israelites were instructed to gather only what they needed for the day. This teaches us to be grateful for what God provides and to avoid greed or hoarding. It encourages us to find contentment in God’s daily provision rather than constantly pursuing worldly desires.
Overall, Exodus 16:4 reminds us of God’s faithfulness, His desire to provide for His people, and the importance of trust, obedience, gratitude, and contentment in our relationship with Him.
