Exodus 16:25

KJV

And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day [is] a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, Eat {H398} that to day {H3117}; for to day {H3117} is a sabbath {H7676} unto the LORD {H3068}: to day {H3117} ye shall not find {H4672} it in the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said, "Today, eat that; because today is a Shabbat for ADONAI - today you won't find it in the field.

Berean Standard Bible

“Eat it today,” Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. Today you will not find anything in the field.

American Standard Version

And Moses said, Eat that to-day; for to-day is a sabbath unto Jehovah: to-day ye shall not find it in the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:25 is a pivotal declaration by Moses, reinforcing God's specific instructions regarding the miraculous provision of manna and the sacred observance of the Sabbath day in the wilderness. This divine command underscores the Lord's sovereignty over time and sustenance, ensuring the Israelites understand that the seventh day is to be kept holy, free from the labor of gathering food, as God Himself would supernaturally cease the manna's appearance on that day, thereby teaching them profound lessons in dependence, obedience, and the sanctity of divine rest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 16:25 is situated within the broader narrative of God's faithful provision for the newly liberated Israelites in the wilderness. Following their departure from Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the people quickly begin to grumble about a lack of food ([Exodus 16:2-3](/exodus/16-2-3 "Exodus 16:2-3 - Israel's Complaints for Food")). In response to their complaints, God promises to "rain bread from heaven" ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Promises Manna from Heaven")), establishing precise daily gathering instructions and a unique provision for the sixth day—a double portion—to accommodate the Sabbath. This verse, therefore, serves as Moses' direct and emphatic reinforcement of these divine instructions on the very morning of the Sabbath, specifically addressing the fact that some had gone out to gather despite the prior warning ([Exodus 16:27](/exodus/16-27 "Exodus 16:27 - Disobedience on the Sabbath")). It highlights the immediate implications of God's pattern and the non-negotiable sanctity of the day of rest, laying crucial groundwork for the formal giving of the Ten Commandments, which includes the Sabbath commandment, at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, having endured centuries of brutal slavery under Pharaoh, had no concept of a regular day of rest. Their lives were defined by relentless toil and forced labor. God's provision of manna and the institution of the Sabbath were, therefore, not merely practical solutions for food and rest but foundational lessons in their new identity as a covenant people. This period in the wilderness was a transformative crucible, designed to re-educate them from a mindset of slave-driven labor and self-reliance to one of divine dependence and sacred rest. The daily manna taught them to trust in God's moment-by-moment provision, while the Sabbath taught them to cease from their own efforts and acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty over time and sustenance. This radical re-education was essential in preparing them for a life of covenant faithfulness and self-governance in the Promised Land, shifting their focus from human masters to the divine Master.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's faithful and miraculous care for His people in the wilderness, providing for their physical needs in a way that demands daily reliance ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Tests Israel")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Trust**, as the Israelites are tested on their willingness to follow God's specific commands regarding the manna and the Sabbath, highlighting that their well-being is tied to their faithfulness. Thirdly, it establishes the profound theme of the **Sanctity of the Sabbath**, setting apart a day for rest and worship as a sign of God's covenant with His people and a reflection of His own creative rest ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")). This theme is later codified as the Fourth Commandment ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** Derived from the verb "to cease" or "to rest," this term signifies a divinely appointed cessation from labor. It is not merely a day off but a sacred time set apart "unto the LORD" (H3068), echoing God's own rest after creation. In [Exodus 16:25](/exodus/16-25 "Exodus 16:25 - The Sabbath Command"), its use emphasizes that the day's holiness and authority are derived from God's designation, not human choice or convenience. It represents a spiritual principle of trusting in God's provision rather than human toil.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh (from H1961, "to be"), signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes God's personal, relational, and authoritative nature. The Sabbath is "unto the LORD," meaning it is for His honor, His purposes, and His people's good, established by the very God who delivered them from bondage and now sustains them. It highlights His absolute sovereignty over time and provision, demanding recognition and obedience from His people.
* **to day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This word, meaning "a day" (as the warm hours, or a space of time), is emphatically repeated three times in [Exodus 16:25](/exodus/16-25 "Exodus 16:25 - The Sabbath Command"). This repetition serves to stress the immediate, present, and non-negotiable nature of the command. It is not a suggestion for the future, but a direct, urgent imperative for *this* specific Sabbath, reinforcing the divine pattern and the immediate consequences of disobedience. It underscores the urgency of obedience and the certainty of God's actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, Eat that to day;":** This opening clause presents Moses as God's authoritative messenger, delivering a direct and immediate command. The imperative "Eat that" refers to the double portion of manna miraculously gathered on the sixth day. This instruction signifies God's foresight and abundant provision, assuring the people that they already possess what they need for the day of rest, thereby removing any excuse for labor or anxiety. It is a command rooted in divine grace and forethought.
* **"for to day [is] a sabbath unto the LORD:":** This provides the divine rationale and theological foundation for the command. The Sabbath is not a human invention or a mere convenience; it is a sacred institution consecrated to Yahweh (H3068). This declaration elevates the day from a simple pause in activity to a holy time dedicated to acknowledging God's sovereignty, His miraculous provision, and the rhythm of rest He established from creation. It signifies a special relationship and dedication to God.
* **"to day ye shall not find it in the field.":** This final clause reinforces the divine decree with a practical and undeniable consequence. God Himself would supernaturally cease the manna's appearance, making any attempt to gather on the Sabbath futile. This served as a tangible sign of God's absolute control over creation and a direct test of their obedience and trust. It demonstrates that the Sabbath was not merely a suggestion but an enforced divine pattern, designed to teach them complete reliance on His word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Repetition** of the phrase "to day" (Hebrew: _hayyom_), which appears three times within this short verse. This anaphora functions as an emphatic device, underscoring the immediacy, certainty, and divine imperative of the command for *that specific* Sabbath. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and highlights the critical nature of the instruction, leaving no room for misunderstanding or delay. The passage also demonstrates **Divine Command/Instruction**, with Moses acting as the direct conduit for God's will. This reinforces the absolute authority behind the Sabbath observance, presenting it not as a suggestion but as a non-negotiable decree from the ultimate sovereign. Furthermore, the manna itself serves as powerful **Symbolism** – it is not just physical food, but a tangible symbol of God's faithful, daily provision and His desire for His people to live in utter dependence upon Him. The Sabbath, in turn, symbolizes God's established order, His provision of rest, and His invitation to trust in His sufficiency rather than human striving, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:25 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people, His absolute sovereignty over creation and time, and the foundational importance of obedience and trust within His covenant relationship. The miraculous provision of manna teaches Israel about daily dependence on God's sustaining grace, while the institution of the Sabbath teaches them about the divine rhythm of rest and the sanctity of time set apart for God's honor. This passage establishes a pattern of divine provision that meticulously accounts for sacred time, demonstrating God's desire for His people to live by faith, not by anxious striving or self-reliance. It highlights that true rest is found not merely in the absence of activity, but in the intentional cessation of self-effort and the acknowledgement of God as the ultimate provider and sustainer. It is a call to trust God's word completely, even when it defies human logic or perceived necessity.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "God's Rest on the Seventh Day")
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Lives by Every Word of God")
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31-33 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:25 offers enduring and profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world that often glorifies relentless productivity, constant striving, and the pursuit of endless accumulation, this passage calls us back to a divine rhythm of work and rest, trust and dependence. It challenges our innate tendency to rely solely on our own efforts and resources, reminding us powerfully that God is our ultimate provider and sustainer. Just as the Israelites had to trust that the double portion of manna would suffice for two days and that God would sustain them without new manna on the Sabbath, so too are we called to trust God's faithful provision for every aspect of our lives, releasing the anxieties of tomorrow. The principle of the Sabbath, while not always observed in the same legalistic manner today, beckons us to intentionally set aside time for physical rest, spiritual refreshment, and focused worship. It is an act of profound faith to cease from our labors, to quiet our striving, and to acknowledge God as the sovereign sustainer of all things, allowing His grace to replenish and reorient us. This verse beautifully illustrates God's desire for His people to live in a rhythm of grace, sustained by His faithful hand and dependent on His unfailing word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the manna narrative challenge our inherent tendency to rely on our own efforts and resources rather than God's faithful provision?**
* **In what practical ways can we observe the principle of Sabbath rest in our busy lives today, even if not strictly adhering to the Old Testament law, to cultivate deeper trust in God?**
* **What does it truly mean to "trust God's word completely" in the face of uncertainty or perceived scarcity, as the Israelites were called to do?**

### FAQ
**Why did God stop the manna on the Sabbath?**

Answer: God stopped the manna on the Sabbath for several crucial, interconnected reasons, primarily to teach the Israelites profound lessons in dependence, enforce the sanctity of the Sabbath, and demonstrate His absolute control over creation and time. By providing a double portion on the sixth day and then ceasing the manna's appearance on the seventh, God compelled them to trust in His miraculous provision and to observe the day He had specifically set apart for rest and worship. This was a direct test of their obedience, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God's Test of Obedience"), to see whether they would faithfully follow His instructions regarding both the manna and the Sabbath. It powerfully reinforced that the Sabbath was not merely a suggestion but a divine command with tangible consequences for disobedience, designed to shape their character and faith.

**Did the Israelites always obey this command?**

Answer: No, the biblical text clearly indicates that not all the Israelites immediately obeyed this command, highlighting their ongoing struggle with faith and obedience. [Exodus 16:27](/exodus/16-27 "Exodus 16:27 - Disobedience on the Sabbath") explicitly states, "And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none." This act of disobedience prompted Moses' strong reinforcement of the command in [Exodus 16:28](/exodus/16-28 "Exodus 16:28 - God's Rebuke for Disobedience"), where the LORD Himself rebukes them, asking, "How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?" This incident underscores the Israelites' persistent challenge in fully trusting God's word throughout their wilderness journey, and God's patient yet firm resolve in continually teaching and guiding them towards faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:25, with its narrative of God's miraculous manna provision and the institution of the Sabbath, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The manna, literally "bread from heaven" that sustained Israel physically in the wilderness, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of Christ, who unequivocally declared Himself to be the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Unlike the manna, which only sustained physical life for a day and could not prevent eventual death, Jesus offers spiritual sustenance that leads to eternal life, promising, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). He is the one who truly satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul, providing spiritual nourishment that never perishes. Furthermore, Jesus is the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath")), not to abolish its divine principle, but to reveal its true meaning and bring its ultimate fulfillment. He offers true rest to the weary and burdened, a rest from the striving of legalism and the crushing burden of sin ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus Offers Rest to the Weary")). Through His finished work on the cross, He provides the ultimate cessation from our futile human labors to earn salvation, inviting us into a permanent spiritual rest found in His perfect righteousness and complete atonement. Just as the manna ceased on the Sabbath, our striving for salvation ceases when we rest in Christ's complete and sufficient provision.

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

Exodus 16:23

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.

Nehemiah 9:14

And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:

Exodus 16:29

See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.