“And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.”
Context and Background:Exodus 16 describes the period of the Israelites’ wilderness journey after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt. They had crossed the Red Sea and were now in the wilderness of Sin. The Israelites had been grumbling and complaining about their lack of food, and in response, God promised to provide them with bread from heaven called manna.
The Sabbath:In Exodus 16:23, Moses relays God’s instructions to the Israelites regarding the Sabbath day. God declared that the following day would be a holy Sabbath, a day of rest dedicated to the Lord. This was part of God’s provision for His people and a commandment that He had given to them.
Baking and Boiling:On the sixth day of the week, which was the day before the Sabbath, the Israelites were allowed to prepare their food in advance. They were instructed to bake what they wanted to bake and boil what they wanted to boil. This was to ensure that they had enough food for the Sabbath day when no work was to be done.
Saving for the Morning:The remaining food that was not consumed on the day of preparation was to be kept until the morning of the Sabbath. This instruction emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s provision. The Israelites had to exercise faith that God would provide fresh manna every morning, except on the Sabbath when they were to rely on the food prepared the previous day.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Observing the Sabbath:The command to observe the Sabbath highlighted the importance of rest and dedicating a day to worship and honoring God. It taught the Israelites to prioritize their relationship with God and to trust in His provision.
- Faith and Dependence:The instructions regarding baking, boiling, and saving food taught the Israelites to depend on God’s daily provision. They were called to trust in God’s faithfulness and rely on Him for their sustenance.
- Obedience and Preparation:The Israelites were required to obey God’s commandments and prepare in advance for the Sabbath. This demonstrated their obedience and willingness to follow God’s instructions.
Application:
- Rest and Worship:As believers today, we can learn from the Sabbath commandment to set aside time for rest and worship. It is important to dedicate regular intervals to connect with God, reflect on His goodness, and find spiritual refreshment.
- Trusting God’s Provision:Just as the Israelites relied on God’s provision of manna, we are called to trust in God’s provision for our physical and spiritual needs. He is faithful to provide for His people.
- Obedience to God’s Commands:The Israelites’ obedience to God’s command to prepare for the Sabbath reminds us of the importance of obedience in our lives. Following God’s instructions brings blessings and demonstrates our love for Him.
In conclusion, Exodus 16:23 teaches us about the observance of the Sabbath, the importance of rest and worship, trust in God’s provision, and obedience to His commands. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His desire for His people to have a dedicated time of rest and worship.
