“And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.”
Context:Exodus 16 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. The people had been grumbling about their lack of food, and in response, God promised to provide them with bread from heaven (manna). This verse describes the obedience of the Israelites in gathering the manna.
Obedience and Trust:The children of Israel demonstrated obedience by following God’s instructions. They went out and gathered the manna as they were instructed. This verse shows their willingness to trust God and rely on Him for their sustenance. It reveals their faith in God’s provision and their willingness to obey His commands.
Equality in God’s Provision:The phrase “some more, some less” highlights the equality of God’s provision. Although the people gathered the manna individually, the portion each person collected was measured by an omer, ensuring that everyone received an equal amount. This emphasizes the principle of fairness and equity in God’s provision for His people. It teaches us that God is impartial and provides for the needs of all His children.
Gratitude and Contentment:The fact that the people gathered the manna shows that they recognised God’s provision and were grateful for it. They did not take God’s provision for granted but actively participated in gathering the manna. This verse reminds us of the importance of gratitude and contentment with what God provides. It encourages us to be thankful for God’s blessings in our lives and to avoid complaining or seeking after excessive material possessions.
Spiritual Lessons:The gathering of manna in this verse also holds spiritual significance. In the New Testament, Jesus referred to Himself as the bread of life (John 6:35), and the manna in the wilderness is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ. Just as the Israelites depended on the manna for their physical sustenance, we are called to depend on Jesus for our spiritual nourishment and sustenance. It reminds us that we need to seek and gather the spiritual “bread” of God’s Word and fellowship with Christ to sustain our faith and relationship with Him.
In summary, Exodus 16:17 teaches us about obedience, trust, equality in God’s provision, gratitude, contentment, and the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision, be grateful for what He provides, and seek after the spiritual sustenance found in Christ.
