Exodus 16:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

See {H7200}, for that the LORD {H3068} hath given {H5414} you the sabbath {H7676}, therefore he giveth {H5414} you on the sixth {H8345} day {H3117} the bread {H3899} of two days {H3117}; abide {H3427} ye every man {H376} in his place, let no man {H376} go out {H3318} of his place {H4725} on the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, ADONAI has given you the Shabbat. This is why he is providing bread for two days on the sixth day. Each of you, stay where you are; no one is to leave his place on the seventh day."

Berean Standard Bible

Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. On the seventh day, everyone must stay where he is; no one may leave his place.”

American Standard Version

See, for that Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:29 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous and supernatural provision for His people in the wilderness, interwoven with His divine instruction regarding the Sabbath. This verse reveals God's forethought in supplying a double portion of manna on the sixth day, thereby enabling the Israelites to fully observe the seventh day as a sacred day of rest, even before the formal giving of the Mosaic Law at Sinai. It underscores a foundational principle of divine care, calling His people to radical obedience and unwavering trust in His sustaining power, demonstrating that true rest is found in God's provision, not human striving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the pivotal narrative of Israel's journey through the Wilderness of Sin, approximately one month after their miraculous [deliverance from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea"). The Israelites, having quickly depleted their meager provisions, began to grumble against Moses and Aaron, expressing a nostalgic longing for the food they had in Egyptian bondage, even lamenting that they might die of hunger in the wilderness ([Exodus 16:1-3](/exodus/16-1-3 "Exodus 16:1-3 - Israel Grumbles for Food")). In response to their complaints, the LORD graciously promised to rain down "bread from heaven" (manna) and provide meat (quail) in the evening ([Exodus 16:4-12](/exodus/16-4-12 "Exodus 16:4-12 - God Promises Manna and Quail")). The daily gathering of manna was then established, with explicit instructions for a single omer per person, and a crucial directive for a double portion to be gathered on the sixth day, as no manna would appear on the seventh ([Exodus 16:16-28](/exodus/16-16-28 "Exodus 16:16-28 - Instructions for Manna Gathering")). Verse 29 serves as the LORD's direct, emphatic declaration and rationale for this unique Sabbath provision, reinforcing the divine origin and necessity of the day of rest. The subsequent verse confirms the people's obedience, stating, "So the people rested on the seventh day" ([Exodus 16:30](/exodus/16-30 "Exodus 16:30 - The People Rest")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites found themselves in a desolate and inhospitable wilderness, a harsh environment where sustained human life and sustenance were impossible without continuous divine intervention. Their recent experience of generations of slavery in Egypt would have ingrained a culture of continuous, relentless labor, making the concept of a mandated day of complete cessation from work utterly revolutionary and counter-intuitive. While the idea of a seventh-day rest was rooted in God's own creative pattern ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")), its practical implementation as a national ordinance for Israel was being introduced here, preceding the formal codification of the [Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). This pre-Sinai establishment of the Sabbath through the manna provision served as a crucial test of faith and obedience, teaching Israel to rely on God's provision and timing rather than their own efforts. It challenged their ingrained habits of self-reliance and forced them to trust in God's word, even when it seemed illogical to refrain from gathering food for an entire day in a barren land. This period was profoundly formative, shaping Israel's understanding of God's covenant relationship with them and their unique identity as a people set apart by His commands and provision.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's faithfulness to meet His people's needs, even in the most dire circumstances, through miraculous means. The manna itself is a tangible sign of this ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Promises Manna")). Secondly, it introduces and emphasizes the theme of **Sabbath Observance and Rest**, establishing a foundational rhythm for Israel's life that reflects God's own pattern of rest after creation. This pre-Sinai command underscores the Sabbath's inherent importance as a gift, not merely a legal burden ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Trust**, as the Israelites are called to obey God's seemingly counter-intuitive command to rest, trusting that He will provide. Their willingness to "abide... in his place" is a test of their faith in God's word over their own anxieties ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")). Finally, it foreshadows the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, as the Sabbath becomes a sign between God and Israel, marking them as His unique people, set apart to live according to His divine order ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (יְהֹוָה, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H1961 (הָיָה), meaning "to be" or "to exist." This is the covenant name of God, Jehovah or Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. In this context, it underscores that the Sabbath is not a human invention or a cultural custom, but a divine institution, graciously given by the ultimate, sovereign authority. It highlights the personal, relational aspect of God's command and provision for His people.
* **Sabbath (שַׁבָּת, _shabbâth'_):** Derived from the Hebrew verb _shavat_ (שָׁבַת), meaning "to cease," "to desist," or "to rest." This word encapsulates the core meaning of the day: a complete cessation from all labor and activity, not merely a break or a pause. It signifies a divine interruption of the normal rhythm of work, designed for rest, worship, and remembrance of God's creative and redemptive acts. It is a day set apart, holy to the LORD, for the benefit of both humans and animals.
* **Abide (יָשַׁב, _yâshab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." In the imperative "abide ye every man in his place," it conveys a command for stillness, settledness, and cessation of movement or activity related to work. It implies staying put within one's dwelling or encampment, refraining from venturing out for labor or travel. This word reinforces the idea of complete cessation from the usual routines of life, particularly the daily search for food, thereby dedicating the entire day to rest and spiritual focus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath":** This opening phrase, beginning with the imperative "See" (רְאוּ, _r'u_), commands attention and calls for a profound understanding of the truth being presented. It emphasizes the divine initiative and the gracious nature of the Sabbath. It is not merely a burden or a legalistic requirement, but a gift bestowed by the LORD Himself, designed for the well-being and spiritual benefit of His people. The phrase highlights God's benevolent character as the Giver of this sacred time.
* **"therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days":** This clause directly links God's miraculous provision to the Sabbath command. Because God has graciously provided the Sabbath as a gift, He meticulously provides for His people's physical needs in advance, demonstrating His foreknowledge, faithfulness, and enabling their obedience. The double portion of manna on the sixth day is a tangible sign of His unwavering faithfulness and a practical means for them to observe the seventh day without anxiety or the need to labor for food.
* **"abide ye every man in his place":** This is a direct, emphatic command for stillness and cessation of activity. It instructs each individual to remain in their dwelling or encampment, refraining from any work or travel associated with their daily tasks, particularly the gathering of manna. This command promotes a communal, unified observance of rest, ensuring that the entire community participates in this divine rhythm.
* **"let no man go out of his place on the seventh day":** This final clause reinforces the previous command with an explicit, absolute prohibition. It leaves no room for ambiguity, strictly forbidding any activity that would involve leaving their designated area for the purpose of labor, seeking sustenance, or engaging in usual worldly pursuits. This underscores the sanctity and complete cessation required for the Sabbath, setting it apart as a day wholly dedicated to rest and remembrance of God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:29 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message and underscore its theological significance. The primary device is **Divine Command**, expressed through direct imperatives ("See," "abide," "let no man go out"), which highlights God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of His instruction. This direct address establishes the divine origin and mandatory observance of the Sabbath. **Repetition** is powerfully evident in the phrase "in his place," which is stated twice ("abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place"). This repetition serves to underscore the strict requirement for the Israelites to remain still and cease all activity on the Sabbath, emphasizing the completeness and spatial confinement of the mandated rest. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proleptic Law**, introducing and enforcing the Sabbath principle *before* the formal giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. This pre-codification demonstrates the inherent importance and divine origin of the Sabbath, establishing it as a foundational rhythm for Israel's life even prior to the full covenantal law. Finally, the manna itself, and by extension the "bread of two days," serves as **Symbolism** for God's faithful and miraculous provision, while the Sabbath itself symbolizes God's desire for His people to experience rest, trust, and a dedicated time for worship and communion with Him, rather than being perpetually consumed by toil and anxiety over sustenance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:29 profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty over time, provision, and human activity. It establishes the Sabbath not merely as a legalistic requirement but as a gracious gift, designed to foster trust and dependence on God. The double portion of manna on the sixth day underscores God's meticulous care for His people's physical needs, demonstrating that His commands are never given without His accompanying provision. The Sabbath, therefore, becomes a tangible sign of the covenant relationship, reminding Israel that their sustenance and security come from God's hand, not their own ceaseless labor. This pre-Sinai institution of the Sabbath highlights its creational roots and its enduring significance as a rhythm of rest and worship that points to God's ultimate provision and the cessation of human striving, inviting humanity to participate in God's own rest.

* [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "God Rests on the Seventh Day")
* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "The Fourth Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Lives by Every Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:29 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the relentless demands of contemporary life. In a world that often glorifies busyness, constant productivity, and the relentless pursuit of more, this verse calls us back to a divine rhythm of rest and trust. It challenges the pervasive anxiety that whispers we must always be striving, always accumulating, always working to secure our future or prove our worth. Just as God miraculously provided for Israel's physical needs in the desolate wilderness, He promises to meet our needs, inviting us to release our grip on self-reliance and embrace His faithful provision. Observing a day of rest, whether a traditional Sabbath or a dedicated time for spiritual renewal, is not merely an ancient custom but a vital discipline for our souls. It is an act of worship that acknowledges God as our ultimate provider and sustainer, reminding us that our identity, security, and true flourishing are found in Him, not in our achievements, possessions, or ceaseless toil. This verse encourages us to prioritize spiritual refreshment, intentional communion with God, and a posture of trust, believing that when we honor His design for rest, He will bless our efforts in the time of work and provide beyond our own capabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's meticulous provision in Exodus 16:29 challenge our modern anxieties about financial security, career advancement, and daily needs?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can we observe a "Sabbath rest" today, even if not strictly adhering to ancient Jewish law, to honor God, refresh our souls, and foster deeper trust in His provision?**
* **What areas of our lives do we struggle to "abide in our place" and truly trust God, rather than striving in our own strength and constantly feeling the need to "go out" and achieve?**

### FAQ
**Was this the first mention of the Sabbath?**

Answer: While the concept of a seventh-day rest is rooted in God's own rest after creation in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "God Rests on the Seventh Day"), Exodus 16:29 marks the first explicit command for the nation of Israel to observe the Sabbath as a regular, communal practice. It was introduced in the context of the manna provision, *before* the formal giving of the [Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai](/exodus/20 "The Ten Commandments"), demonstrating its foundational importance to God's covenant with His people and establishing it as a practical rhythm of life even prior to its legal codification.

**Why did God provide a double portion on the sixth day?**

Answer: God provided a double portion of manna on the sixth day for two primary, interconnected reasons: First, to ensure that the Israelites would have sufficient food for both the sixth and seventh days, thereby eliminating any need or temptation for them to work or gather on the Sabbath. This demonstrated God's meticulous care, forethought, and abundant provision for His people's physical needs. Second, it served as a practical test of their obedience and trust. By providing extra on Friday and none on Saturday, God was teaching them to rely on His word and provision, rather than their own efforts, anxieties about lack, or a desire to hoard. It underscored the divine origin and sanctity of the Sabbath, requiring them to trust that God's provision was sufficient and His command for rest was for their good.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:29, with its emphasis on divine provision and Sabbath rest, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God miraculously provided manna, the "bread of two days," to sustain Israel in the wilderness and enable their rest, Jesus declares Himself to be the true "bread of life" who came down from heaven ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus the Bread of Life")). He provides not merely physical sustenance for a day or two, but eternal spiritual nourishment for all who believe, ensuring that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again, and will have everlasting life ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Furthermore, Jesus is the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")), fulfilling its deepest meaning and intent. The Sabbath, a day of rest from human labor and striving, foreshadowed the ultimate rest found in Christ's finished work on the cross ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "It is Finished")). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection, He offers believers rest from the futile striving for righteousness by works and from the crushing burden and condemnation of sin ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The Sabbath principle, therefore, points to the glorious eschatological rest that remains for the people of God in Christ ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")), a rest secured not by our adherence to rules or our own efforts, but by faith in the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law and became our ultimate provision, peace, and eternal Sabbath.

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 31:13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

Isaiah 58:14

Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Ezekiel 20:12

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.

Luke 23:56

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

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: