Exodus 16:17

Exodus 16:17 describes the Israelites' immediate response to God's instructions regarding the gathering of manna in the wilderness. It highlights their obedience and the varied amounts they collected individually, setting the stage for the miraculous outcome detailed in the next verse.

Context

Following their deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites found themselves in the wilderness of Sin, complaining bitterly about hunger (Exodus 16:2-3). In response, God promised to rain bread from heaven. He gave specific instructions through Moses: gather an omer (about 2.2 liters) per person each day, except on the sixth day when they were to gather a double portion in preparation for the Sabbath (Exodus 16:4-5, Exodus 16:16). This verse simply states that the people followed these instructions, with some gathering more and some less, reflecting individual capacity or diligence.

Key Themes

• Obedience to Divine Instruction: The phrase "And the children of Israel did so" underscores their immediate and collective compliance with God's command. This act of obedience was crucial for their survival and spiritual growth in the wilderness.
• Individual Effort within Community: The fact that "some more, some less" gathered different amounts highlights the reality of individual effort. However, this human variation would soon be equalized by God's provision, demonstrating a principle of divine equity within the community.
• God's Faithful Provision: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the varying amounts gathered prepare the reader for the subsequent revelation that despite the differences in collection, everyone had exactly what they needed. This foreshadows God's ability to provide sufficiently for all, regardless of initial disparities in gathering.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "some more, some less" directly translates the Hebrew, which literally means "the one gathering much, and the one gathering little." There isn't a complex linguistic nuance here beyond the straightforward description of varied collection. The power of this simple statement lies in its contrast with the next verse, which reveals the surprising outcome of this varied gathering.

Practical Application

Exodus 16:17 offers several timeless lessons:

• Trusting God's Process: God gave specific instructions for daily provision, not a one-time abundance. This required daily trust and obedience, even when the outcome wasn't immediately clear from individual effort.
• Divine Sufficiency: This verse, in conjunction with Exodus 16:18, teaches us that God ensures sufficiency for His people. Our human efforts may vary, but God's blessing can equalize and provide exactly what is needed, preventing both hoarding and lack. This principle resonates with Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 8:15, which quotes this very manna account.
• Humility in Service: Whether we feel we contribute "more" or "less" in God's kingdom, the focus should be on obedience to His call, trusting that He will use our efforts for the collective good and ensure everyone's needs are met through His abundant provision.