Exodus 16:20

KJV

Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Notwithstanding they hearkened {H8085} not unto Moses {H4872}; but some {H582} of them left {H3498} of it until the morning {H1242}, and it bred {H7311} worms {H8438}, and stank {H887}: and Moses {H4872} was wroth {H7107} with them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they didn't pay attention to Moshe, and some kept the leftovers until morning. It bred worms and rotted, which made Moshe angry at them.

Berean Standard Bible

But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.

American Standard Version

Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and became foul: and Moses was wroth with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:20 vividly portrays the immediate and unpleasant consequences of the Israelites' direct disobedience to God's specific instructions regarding the daily gathering of manna. Despite Moses' clear command not to store the miraculous provision overnight, some individuals deliberately disregarded this directive, resulting in the manna becoming putrid and infested with worms, which in turn provoked Moses' righteous anger. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of heeding divine commands and cultivating a profound trust in God's faithful, moment-by-moment provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of God's miraculous provision of manna and quail in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail"). The preceding verses establish the Israelites' grumbling for food in the wilderness (cf. [Exodus 16:2-3](/exodus/16-2-3 "Exodus 16:2-3 - Israel Complains for Food")) after their liberation from Egypt. In response, God promises to "rain bread from heaven" (cf. [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Promises Manna")), delivering precise instructions through Moses: gather only an omer per person daily, and crucially, "let no one leave any of it till morning" (cf. [Exodus 16:16-19](/exodus/16-16-19 "Exodus 16:16-19 - Instructions for Gathering Manna")). This command was a direct test of their obedience and trust, designed to foster a daily dependence on God's sustenance. Verse 20 directly follows Moses' explicit warning in [Exodus 16:19](/exodus/16-19 "Exodus 16:19 - Moses Forbids Storing Manna"), highlighting the immediate and willful failure of some to comply. The subsequent narrative, particularly the special provision for the Sabbath (cf. [Exodus 16:21-30](/exodus/16-21-30 "Exodus 16:21-30 - Sabbath Provision and Disobedience")), where manna miraculously did not spoil, further emphasizes the unique nature of the decay described in this verse as a consequence of disobedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a vast multitude recently delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt (cf. [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")), were now journeying through a desolate wilderness where natural food sources were virtually nonexistent. Their complaints about hunger (cf. [Exodus 16:3](/exodus/16-3 "Exodus 16:3 - Israel's Complaint for Food")) were physically understandable, yet they revealed a deeper spiritual malaise: a profound lack of faith in God's ability and willingness to provide for them. God's provision of manna was far more than a logistical solution; it was a profound theological object lesson. It was designed to cultivate a daily reliance on Him, teaching them that "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by God's Word")). The act of hoarding manna, therefore, was not merely a practical error but a spiritual failure, demonstrating a deep-seated distrust in God's ongoing faithfulness and a desire to control their own provision, echoing a mindset of self-reliance rather than divine dependence.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, showcasing God's miraculous ability to care for His people in impossible circumstances, while simultaneously highlighting humanity's tendency towards doubt and self-sufficiency. The incident also emphasizes the theme of **Obedience and Disobedience**, demonstrating that God's commands are not arbitrary but are given for the people's good, and that direct disobedience carries immediate, tangible consequences. This narrative is a crucial part of Israel's wilderness testing, a period designed to reveal their hearts and teach them absolute dependence on Yahweh (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God's Righteous Anger and Moses' Mediation**, as Moses' wrath mirrors God's displeasure at their lack of faith and rebellion, reinforcing his role as God's appointed leader and spokesman (cf. [Exodus 16:6-8](/exodus/16-6-8 "Exodus 16:6-8 - Moses and Aaron Address Israel")). The spoiling of the manna serves as a tangible object lesson in the importance of living by faith, day by day, rather than by anxious accumulation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this verb signifies far more than merely perceiving sound; it implies listening with deep attention, understanding, and, most critically, obeying. When the text states "they hearkened not," it denotes a deliberate act of disregard, a refusal to obey, or a failure to give heed to Moses' (and by extension, God's) clear and specific instruction. This points to a willful act of disobedience rather than an accidental oversight, highlighting the volitional nature of their transgression.
* **Bred worms (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, this root means "to be high" or "to rise," but in this specific context, as indicated by the Strong's definition, it directly means "to breed worms." This describes the process by which the manna became infested and putrefied. The miraculous, pure, and life-sustaining food immediately became corrupted and repulsive when God's command was violated. This rapid decay underscores the direct and immediate consequence of disobedience, highlighting the stark contrast between God's perfect, fresh provision and humanity's flawed attempts to manage it outside of His will. The specific "worms" (H8438, _tôwlâʻ_) were likely maggots, indicating rapid decomposition.
* **Stank (Hebrew, _bâʼash'_):** From H887, this word means to smell bad, become foul, or emit an offensive odor. This emphasizes the repugnant nature of the spoiled manna. The stench would have been a palpable, sensory reminder of their transgression, serving as a public and undeniable sign of their failure to trust and obey. It rendered the hoarded food utterly unusable, making their act of distrust completely futile and self-defeating.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core issue: a direct and deliberate act of disobedience. Despite Moses' clear, divinely-given instructions, a segment of the Israelite community chose not to listen with the intent to obey. This sets the stage for the negative consequences that follow, emphasizing the volitional nature of their transgression against God's revealed will.
* **"but some of them left of it until the morning,":** This specifies the particular act of disobedience—hoarding the manna overnight. This action directly violated Moses' command in [Exodus 16:19](/exodus/16-19 "Exodus 16:19 - Moses' Command Regarding Manna"), demonstrating a profound lack of faith in God's promise of daily provision and an attempt to secure their own future outside of His prescribed method. It reveals a desire for self-sufficiency over divine dependence.
* **"and it bred worms, and stank:":** This describes the immediate, miraculous, and utterly unpleasant consequence of their disobedience. The pure, fresh manna, which was a divine gift, supernaturally decayed and became putrid, infested with maggots. This was not a natural process for freshly gathered food over a single night, but a direct divine judgment, making the hoarded food unusable and repulsive. This outcome served as a tangible and undeniable sign of God's displeasure and the futility of their actions.
* **"and Moses was wroth with them.":** Moses' anger is presented as a righteous indignation, reflecting God's own displeasure at their lack of faith and rebellion. As God's appointed leader and mediator, Moses' wrath underscores the seriousness of their sin, which was not merely against him, but against the very word of God he delivered. It highlights the heavy pastoral burden of leadership in the face of persistent disobedience and the gravity of defying divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Irony** is prominently featured, as the very act intended to secure future provision—hoarding the manna—leads to its immediate and complete spoilage, rendering it utterly useless. The Israelites sought security through their own means, but found only decay and stench, directly contradicting their desired outcome. **Symbolism** is also profoundly at play; the manna itself symbolizes God's daily, faithful provision and His desire for His people to live in moment-by-moment dependence on Him. Its rapid putrefaction when hoarded symbolizes the spiritual decay and futility that inevitably result from a lack of trust and direct disobedience to divine commands. Furthermore, Moses' **anthropomorphic** wrath, while a human emotion, reflects God's own righteous anger and profound disappointment with His people's rebellious hearts, underscoring the gravity of their actions in the divine economy and the seriousness of their defiance against His will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:20 powerfully illustrates a foundational biblical truth: God's commands are not arbitrary restrictions, but are given for the ultimate good and flourishing of His people, and disobedience carries immediate and tangible consequences. This incident underscores the critical importance of trusting God's daily provision and adhering to His revealed will, even when it seems counter-intuitive from a human perspective. The miraculous spoiling of the manna highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active, judgmental involvement in the lives of His people, demonstrating that His blessings are contingent upon obedient faith. It teaches that true security is found not in anxious hoarding or self-reliance, but in consistent, moment-by-moment dependence on the Lord, acknowledging His faithfulness and wisdom in all things.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Lives by God's Word")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12-19 "Warning Against Unbelief and Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the spoiled manna in Exodus 16:20 serves as a timeless and poignant cautionary tale for believers today. In a world that constantly encourages self-sufficiency, accumulation, and anxiety about the future, this passage calls us back to a radical and liberating dependence on God. It challenges us to examine areas where we might be "hoarding" — whether it's material possessions, control over our circumstances, or even persistent worry — instead of trusting God for our daily bread, both literally and spiritually. Disobedience, even in seemingly small matters of trust, can lead to spiritual "stink" and decay in our lives, hindering our intimacy with God and robbing us of the freshness of His presence and provision. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of daily surrender, trusting that the God who provides fresh manna each morning is entirely capable of meeting our every need, and that His instructions are always for our ultimate good and flourishing. It reminds us that true abundance is found not in what we grasp, but in what we release into His capable hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "hoard" or rely on your own efforts, rather than trusting God for daily provision and guidance?**
* **How does a lack of trust in God's daily provision manifest itself in your attitudes, anxieties, or actions?**
* **What "stink" or spiritual decay have you experienced in your life as a direct result of disregarding God's clear instructions or operating outside of His will?**
* **How can you practically and spiritually cultivate a greater sense of daily dependence on God, embracing His moment-by-moment provision?**

### FAQ
**Why did God make the manna spoil so quickly if it was meant to sustain them?**

Answer: The rapid spoilage of the manna was a direct, miraculous act of God, not a natural phenomenon. It served as a tangible and immediate consequence for disobedience, specifically for violating the command not to leave any until morning (cf. [Exodus 16:19](/exodus/16-19 "Moses' Command Regarding Manna")). This divine intervention was meticulously designed to teach the Israelites crucial lessons: absolute dependence on God for daily provision, the critical importance of obedience to His specific instructions, and the futility of attempting to secure their own future outside of His prescribed methods. It was a profound test of faith, demonstrating that God's blessings are contingent upon trust and obedience, and that His word is to be taken with utmost seriousness.

**What was the significance of Moses' anger in this context?**

Answer: Moses' wrath (Hebrew, _qâtsaph_, meaning "to burst out in rage" or "be wroth," from H7107) was not merely personal frustration but a righteous indignation that profoundly reflected God's own displeasure. As God's chosen mediator and prophet, Moses embodied God's authority and communicated His divine will (cf. [Exodus 16:10-12](/exodus/16-10-12 "God Hears Israel's Grumbling and Promises Provision")). The Israelites' disobedience to Moses' commands was, therefore, an act of rebellion against God Himself. Moses' anger underscored the gravity of their sin—a profound lack of faith and a direct challenge to divine authority—and served as a solemn warning of the serious consequences that accompany such defiance. It highlighted the immense pastoral burden of leadership in guiding a stubborn and often rebellious people toward faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The manna in the wilderness, and the Israelites' response to it, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus himself declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), directly contrasting Himself with the perishable manna that sustained their ancestors but could not grant eternal life (cf. [John 6:49-51](/john/6-49-51 "The True Bread from Heaven")). The spoiling of the manna when hoarded foreshadows the utter futility of seeking true life or lasting security in anything other than Christ. Just as the manna was a daily provision requiring daily trust, so too does our spiritual life in Christ demand a moment-by-moment reliance on Him, for "apart from me you can do nothing" (cf. [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Jesus, the True Vine")). The Israelites' disobedience to Moses' word, leading to physical decay, highlights the greater spiritual decay and death that result from rejecting the words of the true Bread of Life. Jesus, unlike the perishable manna, offers "living bread" (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "Living Bread")) that never spoils and grants eternal life to those who receive Him by faith. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate, once-for-all provision that satisfies our deepest hunger and thirst, removing the need for us to "hoard" or strive for our own salvation, inviting us instead to trust in His perfect, sufficient, and imperishable grace (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Eternal Redemption")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's daily provision, sustaining us not just physically, but eternally.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:15

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Matthew 6:19

¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

James 5:2

Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Numbers 16:15

And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.

Mark 3:5

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Ephesians 4:26

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: