“And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 16 recounts the events that took place after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and journeyed into the wilderness of Sin. They were grumbling and complaining about their lack of food, and God heard their complaints. In response, God provided them with a miraculous provision-manna from heaven.
The Context:Prior to this verse, the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness and were hungry. God instructed Moses to inform the people that He would send bread from heaven. In the morning, dew covered the ground, and when it evaporated, it left behind a fine, flake-like substance called manna. The Israelites were to gather enough manna for their daily needs, with the exception of the sixth day when they were to gather twice as much to prepare for the Sabbath.
Moses’ Instruction:In Exodus 16:32, Moses relays God’s command to the Israelites. He tells them to take an "omer" of manna and keep it as a testimony for future generations. An omer is a unit of measure, approximately equivalent to two quarts or two litres. This portion of manna was to be preserved to demonstrate the provision of God in the wilderness and serve as a reminder of how God had fed them during their journey from Egypt.
Spiritual Lessons:This verse carries several significant spiritual lessons for us today:
- God’s Provision:The manna in the wilderness was a miraculous provision from God. It serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and ability to meet our needs. God continues to provide for us in various ways throughout our lives, and this verse encourages us to trust in His provision.
- Remembering God’s Faithfulness:The instruction to preserve the manna for future generations emphasizes the importance of remembering and passing on the stories of God’s faithfulness. It is vital for us to remember God’s works in our lives and share them with others, so they too can be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
- Physical and Spiritual Bread:In John 6:31-35, Jesus referred to the manna in the wilderness and identified Himself as the true bread from heaven. He explained that just as the Israelites ate the manna in the wilderness and lived, those who eat of Him, the bread of life, will live eternally. This verse, therefore, points us to Jesus Christ and the spiritual sustenance He provides.
In summary, Exodus 16:32 highlights God’s miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness and the command to preserve a portion of it for future generations. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision, remember His faithfulness, and look to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment.
