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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 16:13–21. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Now they begin to be provided for by the immediate hand of God.
I.He makes them a feast, at night, of delicate fowl, feathered fowl (Psa 78:27), therefore not locusts, as some think; quails, or pheasants, or some wild fowl, came up, and covered the camp, so tame that they might take up as many of them as they pleased. Note, God gives us of the good things of this life, not only for necessity, but for delight, that we may not only serve him, but serve him cheerfully.
II.Next morning he rained manna upon them, which was to be continued to them for their daily bread.
1.That which was provided for them was manna, which descended from the clouds, so that, in some sense, they might be said to live upon the air. It came down in dew that melted, and yet was itself of such a consistency as to serve for nourishing strengthening food, without any thing else. They called it manna, manhu, "What is this?" Either, "What a poor thing this is!" despising it: or, "What a strange thing this is!" admiring it: or, "It is a portion, no matter what it is; it is that which our God has allotted us, and we will take it and be thankful," Exo 16:14, Exo 16:15. It was pleasant food; the Jews say that it was palatable to all, however varied their tastes. It was wholesome food, light of digestion, and very necessary (Dr. Grew says) to cleanse them from disorders with which he thinks it probable that they were, in the time of their bondage, more or less infected, which disorders a luxurious diet would have made contagious. By this spare and plain diet we are all taught a lesson of temperance, and forbidden to desire dainties and varieties.
2.They were to gather it every morning (Exo 16:21), the portion of a day in his day, Exo 16:4. Thus they must live upon daily providence, as the fowls of the air, of which it is said, That which thou givest them they gather (Psa 104:28); not today for tomorrow: let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. To this daily raining and gathering of manna our Saviour seems to allude when he teaches us to pray, Give us this day our daily bread. We are hereby taught,
(1.)Prudence and diligence in providing food convenient for ourselves and our household. What God graciously gives we must industriously gather; with quietness working, and eating our own bread, not the bread either of idleness or deceit. God's bounty leaves room for man's duty; it did so even when manna was rained: they must not eat till they have gathered.
(2.)Contentment and satisfaction with a sufficiency. They must gather, every man according to his eating; enough is as good as a feast, and more than enough is as bad as a surfeit. Those that have most have, for themselves, but food, and raiment, and mirth; and those that have least generally have these: so that he who gathers much has nothing over, and he who gathers little has no lack. There is not so great a disproportion between one and another in the comforts and enjoyments of the things of this life as there is in the property and possession of the things themselves.
(3.)Dependence upon Providence: Let no man leave till morning (Exo 16:19), but let them learn to go to bed and sleep quietly, though they have not a bit of bread in their tent, nor in all their camp, trusting that God, with the following day, will bring them their daily bread." It was surer and safer in God's store-house than in their own, and would thence come to them sweeter and fresher. Read with this, Mat 6:25, Take no thought for your life, etc. See here the folly of hoarding. The manna that was laid up by some (who thought themselves wiser and better managers than their neighbours, and who would provide in case it should fail next day), putrefied, and bred worms, and became good for nothing. Note, That proves to be most wasted which is covetously and distrustfully spared. Those riches are corrupted, Jam 5:2, Jam 5:3. Let us set ourselves to think,
[1.]Of that great power of God which fed Israel in the wilderness, and made miracles their daily bread. What cannot this God do, who prepared a table in the wilderness, and furnished it richly even for those who questioned whether he could or no? Psa 78:19, Psa 78:20. Never was there such a market of provisions as this, where so many hundred thousand men were daily furnished, without money and without price. Never was there such an open house kept as God kept in the wilderness for forty years together, nor such free and plentiful entertainment given. The feast which Ahasuerus made, to show the riches of his kingdom, and the honour of his majesty, was nothing to this, Est 1:4. It is said (Exo 16:21), When the sun waxed hot, it melted; as if what was left were drawn up by the heat of the sun into the air to be the seed of the next day's harvest, and so from day to day.
[2.]Of that constant providence of God which gives food to all flesh, for his mercy endures for ever, Psa 136:25. He is a great house-keeper that provides for all the creatures. The same wisdom, power, and goodness that now brought food daily out of the clouds, are employed in the constant course of nature, bringing food yearly out of the earth, and giving us all things richly to enjoy.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Nay, verily, the Holy Spirit is not given by measure, but is poured out altogether on the believer. For if the day rises alike to all, and if the sun is diffused with like and equal light over all, how much more does Christ, who is the true sun and the true day, bestow in His Church the light of eternal life with the like equality! Of which equality we see the sacrament celebrated in Exodus, when the manna flowed down from heaven, and, prefiguring the things to come, showed forth the nourishment of the heavenly bread and the food of the coming Christ. For there, without distinction either of sex or of age, an omer was collected equally by each one.33 Whence it appeared that the mercy of Christ, and the heavenly grace that would subsequently follow, was equally divided among all; without difference of sex, without distinction of years, without accepting of persons, upon all the people of God the gift of spiritual grace was shed. Assuredly the same spiritual grace which is equally received in baptism by believers, is subsequently either increased or diminished in our conversation and conduct; as in the Gospel the Lord's seed is equally sown, but, according to the variety of the soil, some is wasted, and some is increased into a large variety of plenty, with an exuberant fruit of either thirty or sixty or a hundred fold. But, once more, when each was called to receive a penny, wherefore should what is distributed equally by God be diminished by human interpretation?
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Summary
Exodus 16:16 meticulously details the LORD's divine instructions to the Israelites for gathering the miraculous manna, the "bread from heaven" supernaturally provided in the wilderness. This crucial command prescribed a precise quantity—an omer for each person—and emphasized an equitable, communal distribution based on the number of individuals within each household, ensuring every member received sufficient sustenance without any hoarding. The verse profoundly encapsulates God's meticulous provision, His call for disciplined obedience, and His cultivation of communal responsibility among His newly liberated people, laying foundational principles for their journey of faith.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 16:16 is strategically placed within the narrative of Israel's journey through the Wilderness of Sin, immediately following their bitter complaints about lack of food after departing Egypt. The Israelites, having exhausted their provisions, murmured against Moses and Aaron with nostalgic longing for the perceived abundance of Egyptian slavery. In response, the LORD, demonstrating His faithfulness and power, promised to "rain bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). The preceding verses describe the initial appearance of the manna, a fine, flake-like substance on the ground, prompting the bewildered question, "What is it?" (Hebrew: man hu', from which "manna" is derived, Exodus 16:15). Verse 16 then transitions from the miraculous manifestation to the specific, divinely ordained method for its collection, establishing the framework for daily provision and setting the stage for subsequent instructions regarding the Sabbath and the preservation of a manna sample.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites, a vast multitude recently freed from generations of slavery in Egypt, found themselves in the desolate and inhospitable Wilderness of Sin. This barren environment was utterly incapable of sustaining such a large population through natural means. Their complaints were born out of genuine hunger and a deep-seated fear of starvation, coupled with a lack of experience in self-governance or nomadic survival. In this precarious context, God's provision of manna transcended mere logistics; it was a profound theological declaration. It unequivocally demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over creation, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His deliberate intent to teach them complete, moment-by-moment dependence on Him. The daily, measured provision stood in stark contrast to the agricultural cycles or market economies they had known in Egypt, compelling them to trust God for their immediate needs rather than relying on stored provisions or human ingenuity.
Key Themes
Exodus 16:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and beyond. Foremost is the theme of Divine Provision and Faithfulness, showcasing God's commitment to sustaining His people even in the most challenging circumstances. It highlights His Sovereignty over Creation, as He miraculously provides sustenance where none naturally exists. The precise instructions for gathering introduce the theme of Obedience and Trust, as Israel is called to follow God's commands rather than their own inclinations or anxieties. The "omer for every man" also underscores Equity and Communal Responsibility, ensuring that the needs of all, especially the vulnerable, are met within the community, fostering a sense of shared reliance and mutual care. This passage also serves as a crucial lesson in Dependence on God, teaching Israel not to hoard or rely on their own strength, but to look to Him daily for their "daily bread," a theme echoed throughout biblical theology, including in the Lord's Prayer.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, often translated as "word" or "matter," here signifies a definitive, authoritative pronouncement or instruction from the LORD. Its use emphasizes that the subsequent directives regarding the manna are not mere suggestions but a binding command, a divine decree that must be meticulously observed. It highlights the weight and importance of God's communication to His people.
This primitive root means "to pick up" or "to gather," specifically implying active participation and effort. The manna did not simply appear in their tents; the Israelites were required to go out each morning to collect it. This daily act of gathering was a tangible expression of obedience and trust, reinforcing their dependence on God's fresh provision rather than relying on yesterday's supply. It was a physical discipline that mirrored a spiritual lesson in daily reliance.
This term refers to a "tent" or "dwelling place," highlighting the nomadic and communal structure of Israelite society. The command to gather "for them which are in his tents" emphasizes that the provision was not just for the individual gatherer, but for every person within their household unit. This fostered a sense of collective responsibility and ensured that the vulnerable—the young, the old, and the infirm—were also provided for through the efforts of their family members, promoting internal equity and care.
Verse Breakdown
"This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded"
This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authority and non-negotiable nature of the subsequent instructions. It is not a human suggestion or a practical guideline, but a direct, sacred command from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh'), underscoring that both the manna's miraculous provision and its collection method are entirely God's design and will.
"Gather of it every man according to his eating"
This phrase specifies both individual responsibility and the principle of sufficiency. Each person was commanded to collect only what was necessary for their own consumption for that specific day. This directive served to prevent waste, instill discipline, and teach a crucial lesson in contentment, directly counteracting the human tendency towards greed or anxiety-driven hoarding.
"an omer for every man"
This provides the precise, standardized measurement for individual daily consumption. The "omer" (H6016, ʿômer') served as God's equitable standard, ensuring that regardless of one's physical size or perceived need, the divine provision was uniformly distributed. This reinforced the idea of equality in God's sustenance and His impartial care for all His people.
"[according to] the number of your persons; take ye every man for [them] which [are] in his tents"
These concluding clauses expand the scope from individual gathering to communal responsibility within the family unit. The total amount gathered by a household was to be proportional to the number of people living in that tent (H168, ʾôhel'). This ensured that no one was left out and promoted a spirit of mutual care and provision within the community, reinforcing the familial bonds and collective well-being, demonstrating God's concern for every individual.
Literary Devices
Exodus 16:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Repetition is evident in the recurring phrase "every man" (H376, ʾîysh'), which appears multiple times, emphasizing the universal application of the command to all individuals and the personal responsibility each person bore in the gathering process. This repetition underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions and the comprehensive nature of His provision. The manna itself functions as powerful Symbolism, representing God's daily, miraculous provision, His unwavering faithfulness, and the concept of complete dependence on Him. It is "bread from heaven," a tangible sign of divine sustenance in a barren land. Furthermore, the entire passage is deeply Didactic, serving as a divine lesson for the Israelites. The specific instructions for gathering, measuring, and distributing the manna were meticulously designed to teach them obedience, trust, contentment, and communal responsibility, shaping their character as God's covenant people. The detailed nature of the command also highlights God's Order and precision in His dealings with humanity, contrasting with the chaos of their previous bondage.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 16:16 is profoundly theological, revealing God's character as a faithful, meticulous, and sovereign provider. It teaches Israel—and by extension, us—about the nature of divine sustenance, which is always sufficient but rarely excessive, fostering dependence rather than self-reliance. The command for equitable distribution underscores God's concern for justice and community, ensuring that no one is deprived while also curbing individual greed. This daily, measured provision was a test of faith and obedience, designed to cultivate a posture of humility and trust in God's moment-by-moment care. It was a foundational lesson in living by faith, not by sight or by stored provisions, demonstrating that true life and sustenance come from God's word and His hand, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 16:16 offers timeless and transformative lessons for believers navigating the wildernesses of modern life. In a world that often prioritizes accumulation, self-sufficiency, and constant striving, the command to gather "an omer for every man" calls us to a radical trust in God for our daily needs. It challenges the anxiety that drives us to hoard resources—whether financial, material, or even time and opportunities—and invites us to embrace contentment with what God provides for today. This posture cultivates a spirit of gratitude and freedom from the relentless pursuit of more. Furthermore, the instruction to gather "for them which are in his tents" reminds us of our profound communal responsibility. Our blessings are not solely for our own consumption or benefit but are to be shared generously, ensuring that those within our sphere of influence—our families, church communities, and broader society—also have their needs met. This fosters a spirit of generosity, interdependence, and mutual care, reflecting God's own heart for His people. Ultimately, the manna experience teaches us that true security and flourishing come not from what we can store up, but from our obedient reliance on God's continuous, faithful, and sufficient provision.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was an omer, and why was it important?
An omer (H6016, ʿômer') was a specific ancient Hebrew dry measure, equivalent to about 2.2 liters or approximately 2.3 quarts. Its importance in Exodus 16:16 lies in its precise nature: it was the exact amount of manna God commanded each person to gather for their daily sustenance. This specific measurement prevented both scarcity and excess, teaching the Israelites discipline, contentment, and a daily reliance on God's provision. It also ensured equity, as everyone received the same sufficient portion, preventing hoarding and fostering a sense of shared experience and mutual dependence on God.
Why did God give such specific instructions for gathering the manna?
God provided these meticulous instructions for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was a test of Israel's obedience, demonstrating whether they would follow His commands precisely. Secondly, it taught them to trust in His daily provision, preventing anxiety about the future and curbing the natural human tendency to hoard (as seen in Exodus 16:19-20 when some tried to keep it overnight, only for it to spoil). Thirdly, the "omer for every man" ensured equitable distribution, promoting fairness and communal responsibility within the vast Israelite camp, ensuring that no one went without. It was a practical, daily lesson in living by faith, not by sight or by accumulated wealth.
Did the Israelites always obey these instructions?
No, the Israelites did not always obey. Despite the clear command not to leave any manna until morning (except for the Sabbath), some tried to save it, and it would breed worms and stink (Exodus 16:20). This disobedience highlighted their struggle with trust and their tendency to rely on their own understanding and anxiety rather than God's explicit word and faithful provision. However, they did obey the instruction to gather a double portion on the sixth day for the Sabbath, and that portion did not spoil (Exodus 16:22-26), further demonstrating God's faithfulness when His commands were followed and His power to preserve it for His purposes.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The manna, commanded to be gathered in Exodus 16:16, serves as a profound type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true "bread from heaven." While the manna sustained physical life for a temporary period in the wilderness, ultimately failing to prevent death, Jesus declares Himself to be the Bread of Life who gives eternal life and truly satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger. Just as the Israelites had to actively "gather" the manna daily, we are called to daily come to Christ, feeding on Him spiritually through faith, obedience to His word, and communion with Him. The manna was a miraculous provision in a barren land, pointing to God's ability to sustain His people where no natural means exist; similarly, Jesus came into a spiritually barren world, offering ultimate and everlasting sustenance. He is the provision that truly satisfies, as He states, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever" (John 6:51). The manna, though a divine gift, could not prevent physical death; but Jesus, the living bread, offers eternal life to all who believe, fulfilling the temporary provision of the wilderness with an everlasting and complete spiritual reality. He is the ultimate "omer for every man," a perfectly sufficient and eternally satisfying portion for all who partake in Him by faith.