Exodus 16:34

As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

As the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}, so Aaron {H175} laid it up {H3240} before {H6440} the Testimony {H5715}, to be kept {H4931}.

Just as ADONAI ordered Moshe, Aharon set it aside before the testimony to be kept.

And Aaron placed it in front of the Testimony, to be preserved just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

As Jehovah commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

Commentary

Exodus 16:34 records the specific act of preserving a portion of the manna, God's miraculous provision, as a perpetual reminder of His faithfulness to the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This verse highlights the precise obedience to divine instruction and the sacred placement of this memorial.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of God's initial provision of manna and quails for the Israelites in the wilderness of Sin, shortly after their exodus from Egypt. The people had begun to murmur against Moses and Aaron, complaining about hunger (Exodus 16:3). In response, the LORD promised to rain bread from heaven (Exodus 16:4). Moses then commanded Aaron to take an omer of manna and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout their generations (Exodus 16:33). Verse 34 records the immediate fulfillment of this command by Aaron.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Obedience: The phrase "As the LORD commanded Moses" underscores the importance of direct obedience to God's instructions. Aaron's action demonstrates prompt and faithful execution of the divine will through Moses, setting an example for all who follow God's word.
  • God's Provision and Faithfulness: The preserved manna served as a tangible, enduring testament to God's miraculous sustenance of His people in the barren wilderness. It was a constant reminder that He provides for their daily needs, even when circumstances seem impossible. This miraculous provision is also echoed in Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasizing spiritual nourishment.
  • The Significance of "The Testimony": The manna was laid "before the Testimony." "The Testimony" refers specifically to the two tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments) which would later be housed within the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:16). This placement signifies the manna's status as a sacred witness, directly associated with God's covenant and His revealed will. It emphasizes that God's provision is intrinsically linked to His covenant faithfulness.
  • Memorial and Remembrance: The purpose "to be kept" was to serve as a perpetual memorial for future generations of Israelites, reminding them of God's miraculous care and their dependence on Him. It was a physical object to teach them about their history and God's enduring power.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Testimony" (Hebrew: ‘edut) denotes a witness or a reminder. In this context, it refers to the tablets of the Law, which were God’s witness to His covenant with Israel. Placing the manna "before the Testimony" meant placing it in the most sacred space, next to the very essence of God's covenant relationship with His people, signifying its importance as a lasting witness to God's faithfulness.

Practical Application

Exodus 16:34 reminds believers today of several timeless truths. Firstly, it calls us to remember God's past faithfulness and provision in our own lives, building our trust for the future. Just as the manna was a daily reminder, so too should we regularly recall how God has met our needs, both physical and spiritual. Secondly, it underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, recognizing that His instructions are always for our good. Finally, it points to the principle that God's provision is often tied to His covenant and His Word. Just as the manna was placed before the Testimony, our daily sustenance and spiritual nourishment are found in abiding by God's truth, much like Jesus taught that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Reflection

This simple act of preserving a pot of manna, faithfully executed by Aaron, became a powerful symbol. It stood as an enduring witness to God's unfailing love, His miraculous power, and His covenant faithfulness, inviting all generations to remember and trust in the One who truly provides for His people, even in the wilderness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:21

    In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 25:16

    And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.

  • Exodus 25:21

    And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

  • Exodus 40:20

    And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:

  • Numbers 17:10

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.

  • Exodus 31:18

    And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

  • Exodus 30:36

    And thou shalt beat [some] of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
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