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Exodus 16:10

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And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

And it came to pass, as Aaron {H175} spake {H1696} unto the whole congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that they looked {H6437} toward the wilderness {H4057}, and, behold, the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} in the cloud {H6051}.

As Aharon spoke to the whole community of the people of Isra'el, they looked toward the desert; and there before them the glory of ADONAI appeared in the cloud;

And as Aaron was speaking to the whole congregation of Israel, they looked toward the desert, and there in a cloud the glory of the LORD appeared.

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of Jehovah appeared in the cloud.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 16:10 (KJV)

The book of Exodus chronicles the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom, guided by God. Exodus 16:10 captures a pivotal moment of divine intervention amidst the people's growing discontent in the wilderness.

Context

This verse is situated in the narrative shortly after the Israelites have miraculously crossed the Red Sea and begun their arduous journey through the wilderness. Having already experienced the bitter waters of Marah made sweet (Exodus 15:25), they now find themselves in the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Sinai. Their provisions have run out, and they begin to grumble against Moses and Aaron, longing for the food they had in Egypt, even preferring slavery to starvation (Exodus 16:3). In response to their complaints, God promises to send them bread from heaven and meat. Verse 10 describes the immediate, visible manifestation of God's presence as a prelude to His miraculous provision.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Intervention: The appearance of "the glory of the LORD in the cloud" is a powerful demonstration of God's immediate and tangible presence among His people. It signifies that He hears their cries (and complaints) and is actively involved in their circumstances. This visible manifestation served to reassure the grumbling Israelites that God was indeed with them and would provide.
  • God's Authority and Sovereignty: This display of glory validates the leadership of Moses and Aaron, showing that they are truly God's appointed messengers. It underscores God's absolute control over the wilderness environment and His ability to provide for His people in seemingly impossible conditions.
  • Preparation for Revelation: The appearance of God's glory in the cloud often precedes significant divine revelation or a demonstration of power. In this instance, it sets the stage for the miraculous provision of manna and quails, which would sustain the Israelites for forty years (Exodus 16:35).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the glory of the LORD" translates the Hebrew kavod YHWH. Kavod (כָּבוֹד) literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but in this context, it denotes splendor, majesty, honor, and the manifest presence of God. It is often associated with a brilliant light or a visible display of divine power and presence. The "cloud" (עָנָן, anan) was the familiar medium through which God had previously guided them (Exodus 13:21) and would continue to dwell among them, particularly over the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34).

Practical Application

Exodus 16:10 serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of doubt, complaint, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, God is present and attentive. Like the Israelites, we may sometimes focus on our immediate lack or difficulties. However, this verse encourages us to "look toward the wilderness" (our challenging circumstances) with an expectation of seeing God's glory revealed. His manifest presence often precedes His provision and reassurance. It teaches us to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He is sovereign and able to meet our needs, often in miraculous ways that affirm His power and love.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 16:7 (5 votes)

    And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what [are] we, that ye murmur against us?

  • Numbers 16:19 (4 votes)

    And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

  • Numbers 16:42 (4 votes)

    And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

  • Leviticus 9:6 (3 votes)

    And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.

  • Numbers 14:10 (2 votes)

    But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 13:21 (2 votes)

    And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

  • Exodus 13:22 (2 votes)

    He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, [from] before the people.