“And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.”
Exodus 16:21 is a part of the narrative of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In this chapter, the Israelites are in the wilderness of Sin, and they are hungry and complaining to Moses and Aaron about the lack of food. God responds to their complaints by providing them with manna, a miraculous bread-like substance, as their daily sustenance.
Here are a few key points we can derive from Exodus 16:21:
- Provision in the Wilderness:This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in providing for the Israelites’ needs even in the wilderness. The phrase “they gathered it every morning” emphasizes the daily provision of manna. God’s provision was consistent, and the Israelites had to rely on Him each day for their sustenance. It demonstrates God’s care for His people even in challenging circumstances.
- Dependence on God:The Israelites had to trust in God’s provision and gather the manna each morning according to their eating needs. They were not to gather more than they needed for the day because any excess would spoil. This dependence on God taught them to rely on Him day by day and not to hoard or store up for themselves. It was a lesson in trust and reliance on God’s faithfulness.
- Temporal Nature of God’s Blessings:The latter part of the verse states, “and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.” This phrase highlights the temporary nature of God’s provision. The manna would melt in the heat of the day, reinforcing the idea that the Israelites had to trust God afresh each day for their sustenance. It teaches them the importance of living in the present moment and not relying on past blessings or future expectations.
Overall, Exodus 16:21 reminds us of God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. It encourages us to depend on Him daily, trusting that He will provide for our needs. It also reminds us of the temporary nature of blessings, calling us to live in the present and seek God’s provision day by day.
