“And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.”
Context:The verse is part of the narrative in Exodus describing the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this specific passage, the Israelites have been in the wilderness of Sin for about a month, and God has been providing them with manna, a heavenly bread-like substance, to sustain them.
Observing the text:
- The people went out on the seventh day to gather, which was a violation of God’s command to observe the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:23).
- Despite their disobedience, the people found no manna on the seventh day.
Understanding the significance of the seventh day:
- The seventh day is the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship commanded by God (Exodus 20:8-11). It is a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites (Exodus 31:13-17).
- The Sabbath was intended to be a day of ceasing from work and focusing on worship and spiritual renewal. It was a reminder that their ultimate provision and sustenance came from God, not their own efforts.
- By going out to gather manna on the seventh day, the people were disregarding God’s command and attempting to rely on their own strength and provision.
Lessons from the passage:
- Obedience to God’s commands is essential. God had given clear instructions regarding the gathering of manna, and by disobeying, the Israelites faced consequences.
- The Sabbath is a special day set apart for rest and worship. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer of our lives.
- Trusting in our own efforts and neglecting God’s instructions can lead to disappointment and fruitlessness. The people found no manna because they went against God’s command.
- This passage highlights the importance of honoring and respecting God’s ordained times and seasons.
Application to our lives:
- We should prioritise rest and worship in our lives. Taking time to pause from our work and focusing on our relationship with God helps us to maintain spiritual vitality.
- Obedience to God’s commands is crucial for our spiritual growth and well-being. We should seek to align our lives with His instructions and trust in His provision.
- When faced with challenges and uncertainty, we should resist the temptation to rely solely on our own efforts but instead seek God’s guidance and provision.
- We should honour and respect God’s appointed times and seasons in our lives, recognising their significance and seeking to align ourselves with His purposes.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consider the broader context of Exodus to gain a deeper understanding of the passage and its implications.
