“And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.”
Exodus 16 recounts the events that took place in the wilderness after the Israelites’ miraculous deliverance from Egypt. After their escape, they found themselves in the desert, and hunger became a pressing issue among the people. In response to their complaints, God provided them with bread from heaven, which is commonly known as manna.
In verse 24, we find a specific instruction given by Moses:regarding the gathering and preservation of manna. Moses commanded the people to collect only as much manna as they needed for each day and not to keep any of it until the next morning, except on the sixth day. This was a test of their faith and obedience to God’s instructions.
The phrase “And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade” refers to the Israelites’ obedience to Moses’ command. They gathered the manna each day and stored it overnight, following Moses’ instructions.
The second part of the verse states, “and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.” This emphasizes the miraculous nature of God’s provision. Despite the natural tendency of food to spoil, the manna remained fresh and free from worms when kept overnight. This preservation demonstrated God’s faithfulness and the supernatural quality of the manna, which sustained the Israelites throughout their time in the wilderness.
There are a few key lessons we can derive from this passage:
- Obedience:The Israelites were required to obey God’s instructions through Moses. Their obedience in gathering only enough manna for each day and not storing it overnight was crucial. This teaches us the importance of following God’s commands and trusting in His guidance.
- Dependence on God’s provision:The manna was a direct provision from God to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. By providing it daily, God demonstrated His faithfulness and care for His people. This teaches us to rely on God’s provision in our own lives, trusting that He will meet our needs.
- Faithfulness and consistency:The fact that the manna did not spoil or contain worms when kept overnight highlights God’s faithfulness and consistency in His promises. It serves as a reminder that God is reliable and can be trusted to fulfill His word.
- Living in the present:The Israelites were instructed to gather only enough manna for each day, except on the sixth day when they were to gather a double portion to account for the Sabbath. This principle teaches us to live in the present, relying on God day by day, and not anxiously hoarding or worrying about the future.
Overall, Exodus 16:24 underscores the themes of obedience:, dependence on God, faithfulness, and living in the present. It reminds us of God’s provision, His trustworthiness, and the importance of faithfully following His guidance.
