Exodus 16:32

KJV

¶ And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, This is the thing {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} commandeth {H6680}, Fill {H4393} an omer {H6016} of it to be kept {H4931} for your generations {H1755}; that they may see {H7200} the bread {H3899} wherewith I have fed {H398} you in the wilderness {H4057}, when I brought you forth {H3318} from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said, "Here is what ADONAI has ordered: 'Let two quarts of man be kept through all your generations, so that they will be able to see the bread which I fed you in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Keep an omer of manna for the generations to come, so that they may see the bread I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”

American Standard Version

And Moses said, This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread wherewith I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:32 records a pivotal divine command given to Moses: to preserve an omer of manna for future generations. This instruction ensures a tangible, perpetual memorial of God's miraculous provision and sustaining faithfulness to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, serving as an enduring testament to His power and care in bringing them forth from Egyptian bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct command from the LORD, mediated through Moses, following the miraculous initial provision of manna and quail in the wilderness of Sin (cf. [Exodus 16:1-15](/exodus/16-1-15 "Exodus 16:1-15 - God Provides Manna and Quail")). The Israelites, having recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt, began to complain bitterly about hunger, longing for the food they had left behind (cf. [Exodus 16:3](/exodus/16-3 "Exodus 16:3 - Israel's Complaints in the Wilderness")). In response to their murmuring, yet demonstrating His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, God promised to rain down "bread from heaven" daily (cf. [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Promises Manna")). The command in verse 32, to preserve a portion of this miraculous sustenance, solidifies the manna's role not merely as daily sustenance but as a profound, enduring sign of God's active presence and provision throughout their generations. It transitions the manna from a temporary necessity to a permanent, sacred memorial.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the vast and desolate wilderness, a place inherently incapable of sustaining such a large population. The Israelites, a newly liberated nation, were dependent entirely on divine provision. Their recent deliverance from [Egyptian slavery](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - The Exodus from Egypt") was fresh in their minds, but so too were the hardships of their journey. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divine provision of food was often seen as a mark of a deity's power and care for their people. For Israel, the manna was a unique, daily miracle that underscored Yahweh's distinct character as the covenant-keeping God who actively sustained His people in impossible circumstances. The command to preserve an omer of manna aligns with other divine instructions for memorializing key events, such as the [Passover commemoration](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - The Passover Memorial"), ensuring that the lessons of God's faithfulness would not be forgotten by subsequent generations who had not personally experienced the [wilderness journey](/exodus/13-18 "Exodus 13:18 - God Leads Israel Through the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Omer (Hebrew, עֹ֫מֶר, _'omer_):** This term refers to a specific ancient Hebrew dry measure, equivalent to about 2.2 liters or roughly 2 quarts. The precision of this instruction for the quantity to be preserved highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands and ensures a consistent, measurable sample for the perpetual memorial. It was not an arbitrary amount but a defined measure, signifying the exactness of God's provision and the specific nature of the command.
* **Generations (Hebrew, דֹּרֹת, _dorot_):** The plural form emphasizes the enduring, perpetual nature of this command. It signifies that the preserved manna was not just for the immediate descendants of the Exodus generation but for all future generations of Israel. This underscores God's long-term commitment to His covenant people and His desire for His mighty acts to be remembered and taught across time, fostering a continuous legacy of faith.
* **See (Hebrew, רָאָה, _ra'ah_):** While literally meaning "to see with the eyes," in this context, "see" carries a deeper theological weight. It implies not just physical observation but also understanding, perceiving, remembering, and internalizing the truth of God's past action. Future generations were to "see" the manna and thereby comprehend God's faithfulness, His power to provide, and His active role in their national history. It is a call to experiential remembrance and spiritual insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commandeth":** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authority of the instruction. Moses acts as the faithful mediator, transmitting God's direct will to the people. It emphasizes that this is not a human suggestion but a non-negotiable divine directive, underscoring the importance of what follows.
* **"Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations":** This is the core command. An "omer" of manna is to be set aside and preserved. The phrase "to be kept" (לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת, _le-mishmeret_) implies a sacred trust, something to be guarded and maintained as a perpetual memorial. The purpose is explicitly stated as being "for your generations," highlighting the forward-looking, didactic nature of the command, ensuring that the memory of God's provision would endure.
* **"that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness":** This clause reveals the primary purpose of the preserved manna. It is a tangible, visible reminder ("that they may see") of God's past faithfulness. The emphasis is on "I have fed you," highlighting God as the active, personal provider. The "wilderness" context underscores the miraculous nature of this sustenance, as it was a place where no natural food source existed.
* **"when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt":** This final phrase connects the miraculous provision of manna directly to the foundational act of the Exodus. It links God's sustenance in the wilderness to His mighty deliverance from slavery, framing the manna as an integral part of His redemptive work. It reminds Israel that the same God who delivered them from bondage also sustained them in their freedom, reinforcing His comprehensive care.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:32 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the manna itself becomes a powerful symbol of God's miraculous, daily provision and His covenant faithfulness. The preserved omer of manna further symbolizes enduring remembrance and a tangible link between generations and God's past acts. The phrase "bread wherewith I have fed you" uses **Metonymy**, where "bread" represents the entirety of God's sustenance and care for His people. The verse is inherently **Didactic**, intended to teach future generations about God's character and deeds, ensuring that the historical memory of divine intervention is not lost. Furthermore, the command for preservation serves as a **Memorial**, a physical object designed to evoke remembrance and perpetuate a sacred narrative. The direct address "I have fed you" also exemplifies **Divine Speech**, emphasizing the personal and active involvement of God in the lives of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:32 powerfully articulates the theological themes of divine provision, covenant faithfulness, and the imperative of remembrance. God's command to preserve the manna underscores His desire for His people to never forget His mighty acts of sustenance and deliverance. This tangible memorial was not merely an artifact but a pedagogical tool, designed to teach subsequent generations about Yahweh's character as the faithful Provider who sustains His people even in the most desolate circumstances. It reinforced the covenant relationship, demonstrating God's commitment to Israel even amidst their complaints. The later placement of this preserved manna in a golden pot within the Ark of the Covenant (cf. [Hebrews 9:4](/hebrews/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - Contents of the Ark of the Covenant")) further elevated its status as a sacred testament to God's miraculous care and a permanent fixture within the very heart of Israel's worship and national identity.

* [Hebrews 9:4](/hebrews/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - Contents of the Ark of the Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")
* [Psalm 78:24-25](/psalms/78-24-25 "Psalm 78:24-25 - God's Provision of Manna")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:32 serves as a profound reminder for believers today about the enduring importance of remembering God's past faithfulness and trusting in His ongoing provision. Just as the preserved manna was a tangible witness for ancient Israel, we are called to intentionally reflect on how God has met our needs, sustained us through difficulties, and delivered us from spiritual bondage. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of gratitude and reliance, recognizing that the God who miraculously provided in the wilderness is the same God who cares for us in our present circumstances. It challenges us to actively recall and meditate on personal and corporate testimonies of God's goodness, allowing these memories to strengthen our faith and inspire trust when faced with new challenges. Furthermore, it impresses upon us the sacred duty of passing on the stories of God's mighty acts to future generations, ensuring that the legacy of His faithfulness continues to inspire faith and reliance on Him within our families and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "manna" has God provided in your life, demonstrating His faithfulness in unexpected or challenging circumstances?**
* **How can you intentionally create "memorials" (tangible or intangible) in your life to remember God's past provisions and acts of deliverance?**
* **In what ways are you sharing the stories of God's faithfulness with the next generation, ensuring they "see" His provision?**
* **How does remembering God's past care strengthen your trust in His ability to meet your present and future needs?**

### FAQ
**Why was an omer of manna specifically commanded to be preserved?**

Answer: The specification of an "omer" (a precise dry measure) was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured a consistent and measurable sample, preventing arbitrary amounts. Secondly, it was the daily portion of manna for an individual (cf. [Exodus 16:16](/exodus/16-16 "Exodus 16:16 - The Daily Portion of Manna")), making it a representative amount of God's daily, personal provision. Thirdly, the precision underscored the specific and meticulous nature of God's instructions, emphasizing that this was not a casual suggestion but a divine command for a sacred memorial. This preserved omer was to be a perpetual, tangible witness to God's miraculous sustenance for all future generations of Israel.

**Where was this preserved omer of manna kept, and what was its significance?**

Answer: The preserved omer of manna was initially placed "before the LORD" (cf. [Exodus 16:33](/exodus/16-33 "Exodus 16:33 - Manna Preserved Before the LORD")), likely indicating its placement in the Tabernacle. Later, it was explicitly stated to be kept in a golden pot and placed inside the [Ark of the Covenant](/hebrew/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - Items in the Ark of the Covenant"), alongside Aaron's rod that budded and the tablets of the Law. Its placement within the Ark, the most sacred object in Israel, elevated its significance as a permanent, sacred memorial. It symbolized God's miraculous provision, His covenant faithfulness, and His power to sustain His people, serving as a perpetual reminder of His active presence among them.

**Did the preserved manna spoil, unlike the daily manna that could not be kept overnight?**

Answer: No, the preserved omer of manna did not spoil, which itself was a further miracle. The daily manna, if kept overnight (except for the Sabbath preparation), would breed worms and stink (cf. [Exodus 16:19-20](/exodus/16-19-20 "Exodus 16:19-20 - Manna Spoils if Kept Overnight")). However, the specific portion commanded to be kept "before the LORD" for generations was supernaturally preserved, demonstrating God's power to suspend natural laws for His divine purposes. This miraculous preservation underscored its unique status as a sacred, enduring memorial of His faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical manna in the wilderness, and the command to preserve it, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the manna sustained Israel physically for a season, it foreshadowed the true "bread from heaven" who gives eternal life. Jesus Himself draws this explicit parallel in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), declaring, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He contrasts the manna, which their fathers ate and died, with Himself, the living bread that grants eternal life to all who partake ([John 6:49-51](/john/6-49-51 "John 6:49-51 - The Living Bread from Heaven")). The preserved omer of manna served as a tangible reminder of God's past provision, but Christ is the abiding, living provision for all generations. He is not merely a memorial of past sustenance but the ongoing, eternal sustenance for the soul, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the manna was a miraculous gift from God to sustain His people in the wilderness, so Jesus is the ultimate, supernatural gift from the Father, providing spiritual nourishment and eternal life to all who believe, transcending the temporary nature of earthly bread and fulfilling God's deepest desire to sustain His people forever.

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.