“As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.”
Context:Exodus 16 is a chapter that recounts the events that occurred after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and began their journey through the wilderness. The Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were now in the desert. They were facing challenges, including the lack of food.
The Manna:In this verse, the reference to “it” is the manna, the miraculous bread that God provided to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. The manna was a supernatural provision that came from God. It was a daily provision that would appear on the ground each morning and sustain the Israelites throughout their journey.
Obedience to God’s Commands:The verse highlights the obedience of Moses and Aaron to God’s commands. God had instructed Moses to collect an omer (a specific quantity) of manna and preserve it as a testimony for future generations. Aaron followed these instructions and placed the manna before the Testimony, which likely refers to the Ark of the Covenant containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.
Symbolism:The manna served as a physical provision for the Israelites, but it also held symbolic significance. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision in the midst of their wilderness journey. The manna was a tangible manifestation of God’s care and sustenance for His people.
Lessons for us today:
- Trusting God’s Provision:The Israelites had to rely on God’s daily provision of manna. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s provision and not relying solely on our own efforts or resources.
- Obedience and Reverence:Moses and Aaron’s obedience in preserving the manna demonstrates the importance of following God’s commands and treating His instructions with reverence.
- Remembering God’s Faithfulness:The manna was preserved as a testimony for future generations. Similarly, we should remember and recount God’s faithfulness in our lives to strengthen our faith and to share His goodness with others.
- Spiritual Nourishment:Jesus referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35). Just as the manna sustained the Israelites physically, Jesus is the source of spiritual nourishment, providing us with eternal life.
In conclusion, Exodus 16:34 highlights the obedience of Moses and Aaron in preserving the manna, which symbolized God’s provision and faithfulness. It reminds us to trust in God’s provision, obey His commands, remember His faithfulness, and find spiritual nourishment in Jesus Christ.
