Thoughts while reading: Exodus 16
The text I’m writing about is Exodus 16:1-17:7 in the New Living Translation. The boys and I talked about this particular reading, and we all had some questions and observations. I am sure I could spend some time in commentaries to find “the answers” and yet I sometimes like to sit with the questions and tension and allow the Lord to resolve them in His own time and His own way.
The people of Israel were having to unlearn the lifestyle they had established in Egypt. It seemed to us that with the removal of one affliction (slavery), gives the choice thankfulness and gratitude or the possibility of the creation of and focus on the next (another) affliction (starvation, hunger, thirst).
The manna was as fine as frost. The Israelites were instructed to gather 2 quarts per person. That would be 8 cups. How long did this take? Did the Lord choose gathering manna to mimic or echo their gathering straw for bricks in Egypt? He said it was a test to follow His instructions.
Some people did not listen or obey. They gathered too much and tried to hold onto it overnight. The next morning, it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. This reminds me of the works of the flesh, operating outside of the Spirit’s life. We are given today what we need for today, and we are to use it all up.
Why were there no instructions about the quail that appeared in the evening? Is this event recorded in more detail in Numbers 11?
The Glory of the Lord was in the manna and in the cloud. How? What does this mean? Everything the Lord provided for His people was so that they would know Him and who He is. Reference in Hebrews that Jesus radiates the Father’s glory.
Jesus appears in this account at the very least as the better Moses, the Sabbath and the Rock, and as better bread.
The Sabbath gathering was preserved…Jesus is my Sabbath…His life preserves His works (kept wholesome and good), and I can rest from my works. From Exodus 16:29: “They must realize that the Sabbath is the Lord’s gift to you.” WOW!
The people ate manna for 40 years. Did they grow tired of it? Did it become mundane and ordinary to them? How can I preserve the wonder of my salvation? Is there something to the gathering morning by morning? Echoes of Lamentations here.
Food was provided, and the people go on to complain about water. The memories of bondage were familiar and they seem afraid of death. There is something here to ponder.
Moses uses the symbol of God’s authority (the rod) to strike the rock (Christ) and water (the Spirit) gushes forth. Oh, the beautiful living water that the people of God were able to drink! The promise of the Spirit is here in Exodus.
What do you think?
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts, connections, observations and even your questions in the comments below.
