Exodus 16:23

KJV

And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, This is that which the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696}, To morrow {H4279} is the rest {H7677} of the holy {H6944} sabbath {H7676} unto the LORD {H3068}: bake {H644} that which ye will bake {H644} to day, and seethe {H1310} that ye will seethe {H1310}; and that which {H3605} remaineth over {H5736} lay up {H3240} for you to be kept {H4931} until the morning {H1242}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He told them, "This is what ADONAI has said: 'Tomorrow is a holy Shabbat for ADONAI. Bake what you want to bake; boil what you want to boil; and whatever is left over, set aside and keep for the morning.'"

Berean Standard Bible

He told them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil. Then set aside whatever remains and keep it until morning.’”

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, This is that which Jehovah hath spoken, To-morrow is a solemn rest, a holy sabbath unto Jehovah: bake that which ye will bake, and boil that which ye will boil; and all that remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:23 presents a crucial divine instruction to the Israelites in the wilderness, preceding the formal giving of the Ten Commandments. It establishes the practical observance of the Sabbath rest in the context of God's miraculous provision of manna, commanding them to gather a double portion on the sixth day and prepare it for consumption, as the seventh day would be a holy day of cessation from labor and manna gathering. This verse underscores God's meticulous care, His foresight in providing for His people, and His design for a sacred rhythm of work and rest, emphasizing His sovereignty and their need for obedient trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of God's miraculous provision of manna and quail in the wilderness of Sin, immediately following the Israelites' grumbling about hunger after their departure from Egyptian bondage. The preceding verses, specifically [Exodus 16:1-22](/exodus/16-1-22 "Exodus 16:1-22 - Manna and Quail Provision"), detail the initial appearance of the manna, the daily instructions for gathering (one omer per person), and the strict prohibition against storing it overnight, which inevitably led to spoilage. Verse 22 notes that on the sixth day, the leaders observed the people gathering twice the usual amount, prompting their inquiry to Moses. [Exodus 16:23](/exodus/16-23 "Exodus 16:23 - Sabbath Manna Instruction") serves as Moses's divine explanation and decree regarding this double portion, setting the foundational stage for the Sabbath observance detailed further in [Exodus 16:24-30](/exodus/16-24-30 "Exodus 16:24-30 - Sabbath Observance Confirmed"). This passage thus provides the practical, pre-Sinaitic framework for the Sabbath command that would later be formally codified as the Fourth Commandment in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, newly liberated from centuries of forced labor under Egyptian rule, had no inherent concept of a regular, divinely ordained day of rest. Their journey through the harsh wilderness was a profound test of faith, demanding absolute dependence on God for every necessity, including daily sustenance. The introduction of the Sabbath principle at this juncture, even before the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, was revolutionary. It demonstrated God's desire for His people to experience not only His faithful provision but also His intended rhythm of life—a rhythm that included sacred rest. The command to "bake" and "seethe" (boil) on the sixth day for the seventh highlights the practical necessity of preparing food in advance, ensuring that no labor related to sustenance would be required on the Sabbath itself. This practical instruction underscored the Sabbath's unique status as a day set apart solely for the LORD, distinct from the daily grind of survival. This pre-Sinaitic Sabbath observance was a critical, foundational lesson in trust, obedience, and the sanctification of time, preparing them for the more comprehensive covenant relationship that was soon to be established.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:23 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the broader book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His people's physical needs even in the most desolate circumstances, as seen throughout [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail"). Secondly, it introduces and establishes the theme of **Sabbath Observance and Sacred Time**, highlighting God's design for humanity to cease from labor and enter into a divinely ordained rest, a concept rooted in creation itself ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Obedience and Trust**, as the Israelites were called to follow God's specific instructions regarding the manna, including the miraculous preservation of the double portion, which served as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and their need to trust His word over their own anxieties, a recurring lesson throughout their wilderness journey ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Daily Manna Provision")). Finally, it foreshadows the **Covenant Relationship and Law-Giving**, laying a practical groundwork for the later formalization of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, where the Sabbath command would become a cornerstone of the Mosaic Covenant ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _shabbâthôwn_):** (H7677) From the root of `shabbath` (Sabbath), this word signifies a "sabbatism" or a "special holiday." It denotes a complete cessation from ordinary labor, a divinely ordained pause that is more than just an absence of activity; it is a sacred time set apart by God. In this context, it refers specifically to the Sabbath day as a day of profound rest, a gift and a command integral to God's intended rhythm for His people.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh_):** (H6944) This term implies something consecrated, set apart, or dedicated for a sacred purpose, often for God's exclusive use. When applied to the Sabbath, it means the day is not for common human pursuits but is distinguished and sanctified by God Himself. It is "holy unto the LORD," emphasizing its divine origin, its unique character, and its ultimate purpose of honoring God. This holiness transforms a mere day off into a sacred encounter with the Creator.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** (H3068) This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." In the phrase "unto the LORD," it underscores the ultimate recipient and purpose of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not merely for the benefit of the Israelites (though it profoundly benefits them) but is primarily dedicated to Yahweh. This directs their worship and obedience towards God, establishing the Sabbath as an act of devotion, a recognition of His sovereignty, and a testament to His faithful provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said,"**: Moses, acting as God's chosen mediator, delivers a direct divine command. This emphatic introduction underscores the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of the instruction, rooting it firmly in God's own word rather than human suggestion. It highlights God's initiative and sovereign will in establishing this practice.
* **"To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD:"**: This clause explicitly declares the next day (the seventh day) as the Sabbath. It defines the day as a "rest" (a cessation from all work) and unequivocally designates it as "holy" (set apart) and dedicated "unto the LORD." This marks the first explicit declaration of the Sabbath's sacred character within the wilderness narrative, establishing its unique and consecrated status.
* **"bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe;"**: This provides practical, concrete instructions for the sixth day. The Israelites are commanded to prepare their food for the Sabbath in advance. The terms "bake" and "seethe" (boil) encompass the primary methods of preparing the manna, ensuring that all necessary food preparation is completed on Friday. This pre-preparation ensures that no labor related to food would be necessary on the Sabbath itself, thereby reinforcing the principle of complete rest.
* **"and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning."**: This instruction directly contrasts with the daily command to leave no manna overnight, which would spoil. On the sixth day, the excess prepared food was to be stored, and it would miraculously remain fresh until the Sabbath morning. This supernatural preservation served as a tangible sign of God's power and His specific provision for the holy day, validating the Sabbath's unique divine sanction and encouraging the Israelites' trust.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Firstly, it functions as a **Divine Command**, conveyed through the direct speech of Moses, who explicitly states, "This is that which the LORD hath said." This underscores the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of the Sabbath institution; it is not a suggestion but a direct decree from the LORD, establishing a foundational rhythm for His people. Secondly, the passage utilizes **Foreshadowing**, introducing the concept of the Sabbath rest and its practical observance well before the formal giving of the Fourth Commandment at Mount Sinai in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). This pre-Sinaitic implementation prepares the Israelites for the deeper covenantal implications of the Sabbath, demonstrating its inherent importance to God's design. Thirdly, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the daily manna collection (where any excess spoiled if left overnight, as per [Exodus 16:19-20](/exodus/16-19-20 "Exodus 16:19-20 - Manna Spoils")) and the Sabbath provision (where the double portion miraculously remained fresh). This contrast highlights God's specific, miraculous intervention to enable Sabbath observance, serving as a tangible sign of its divine origin and paramount importance. Finally, the verse contains elements of **Symbolism**, where the physical rest from labor on the Sabbath symbolizes a deeper spiritual truth about trusting in God's provision and finding ultimate rest in Him, rather than in ceaseless human effort or self-sufficiency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:23 is foundational for understanding the Sabbath as a divine institution, revealing God's character as both meticulous provider and sovereign Lord. It establishes that rest is not merely a human convenience or a break from toil, but a sacred command, integral to God's design for human flourishing and worship. The pre-Sinaitic introduction of the Sabbath demonstrates its inherent importance, showing God's desire to teach His people a rhythm of trust and dependence even before the formal covenant was ratified. It underscores that true rest comes from ceasing from our own labors and relying on God's faithful provision and sanctification. This passage also highlights the principle of obedience as a necessary response to divine grace, as the Israelites were called to trust God's word regarding the manna's miraculous preservation, even when it defied their daily experience.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")
* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12-15 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - Remember the Sabbath Day")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:23 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, inviting us to reflect deeply on God's unwavering provision, the true nature of rest, and the vital importance of obedience rooted in trust. In a contemporary world that often relentlessly glorifies ceaseless activity, productivity, and self-reliance, this verse serves as a counter-cultural call to embrace a divine rhythm that prioritizes cessation and dependence on God. Just as God meticulously provided for Israel's physical needs and commanded them to rest, He continues to invite us to find rest—both physical and spiritual—in Him. This passage challenges us to intentionally prepare for our times of rest, whether it's a weekly Sabbath, a period of vacation, or simply moments of quiet reflection, so that these times can truly be set apart for God and for our own holistic renewal. Our willingness to cease from our labors and trust in His ongoing, miraculous provision demonstrates our faith and acknowledges His absolute sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that God's commands are always for our ultimate good, leading us into a life characterized by dependence, peace, and deeper communion with the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "holy rest unto the LORD" challenge my modern understanding of productivity and achievement, especially in my personal and professional life?**
* **In what practical ways can I "bake and seethe today"—that is, prepare in advance—to ensure I can truly rest and honor God tomorrow, whether it's a literal Sabbath or a designated time of spiritual renewal?**
* **What specific areas of my life do I struggle to surrender to God's provision and control, and how can the miraculous manna story encourage me toward greater trust and less anxiety?**
* **How does my current observance of rest, or lack thereof, reflect my true dependence on God's sustaining power rather than my own ceaseless efforts?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Sabbath introduced to the Israelites before the Ten Commandments were given at Mount Sinai?**

Answer: The introduction of the Sabbath in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") before the formal giving of the Law in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") highlights its foundational importance and its divine origin, predating the Mosaic Covenant. It demonstrates that the Sabbath principle was not merely a legalistic requirement but an integral part of God's design for humanity, rooted in creation itself, as seen in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"). By introducing it practically through the manna provision, God began to train His people in obedience and trust, preparing them for the broader covenant relationship and demonstrating His meticulous care for their physical and spiritual well-being. It was a practical, tangible lesson in faith and dependence before the formal pronouncement of the law.

**What does "bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe" imply about Sabbath observance?**

Answer: This command emphasizes the principle of pre-preparation for the Sabbath. It means that all necessary work, especially that related to food preparation, should be completed on the sixth day so that the seventh day can be entirely dedicated to rest and worship, free from the ordinary labors of daily life. It underscores that the Sabbath was not merely a day of idleness or a break from work, but a day specifically set apart for the LORD, requiring intentional planning, discipline, and foresight to honor its sacred nature. This instruction applies the broader principle of "no work" to the very practical aspect of daily sustenance, ensuring that the Israelites would not need to gather or prepare food on the holy day, thereby fully entering into the commanded rest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:23, with its profound emphasis on divine provision and the sacred Sabbath rest, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The miraculous manna, provided daily from heaven to sustain Israel in the wilderness, powerfully foreshadows Jesus as the true "Bread of Life" who came down from heaven to give life to the world ([John 6:32-35](/john/6-32-35 "John 6:32-35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")). Just as the physical manna sustained Israel, Christ sustains us spiritually, offering eternal life and satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger. Furthermore, the Sabbath rest, a commanded cessation from labor and a reliance on God's provision, points to the ultimate spiritual rest found exclusively in Christ. He invites all who are weary and burdened by the weight of sin and human effort to come to Him and find true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The Old Testament Sabbath was a shadow, a type pointing to a greater reality, but the reality and substance are found in Christ, who authoritatively declared Himself to be the Lord of the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Through His finished work on the cross, we enter into God's eternal rest, a "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains")). Our "work" of trying to earn salvation or righteousness ceases when we trust in His perfect, saving provision, which is kept for us until the glorious "morning" of eternity, when we will fully experience the rest and presence of God.

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

Leviticus 23:3

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Exodus 20:8

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Exodus 31:15

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Exodus 35:2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.

Exodus 35:3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Exodus 23:12

Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.