Exodus 16:6

KJV

And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} said {H559} unto all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, At even {H6153}, then ye shall know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} hath brought you out {H3318} from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe and Aharon said to all the people of Isra'el, "This evening, you will realize that it has been ADONAI who brought you out of Egypt;

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt,

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that Jehovah hath brought you out from the land of Egypt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:6 records Moses and Aaron's declaration to the grumbling Israelites, revealing God's imminent self-revelation through miraculous provision. This pivotal moment in the wilderness journey sets the stage for the daily provision of manna and quail, serving as a divine demonstration designed to confirm to the murmuring nation that it was truly the LORD who had powerfully delivered them from Egyptian bondage and would continue to sustain them. This act transforms their complaint into an opportunity for profound experiential knowledge of God's character and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed early in Israel's post-Exodus journey, immediately following their triumphant [deliverance through the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") and the subsequent [Song of Moses and Miriam](/exodus/15-1 "Exodus 15:1 - The Song of Moses and Miriam"). Despite these recent, awe-inspiring miracles, the harsh realities of the wilderness quickly test their nascent faith. The Israelites had already encountered bitter waters at Marah, where God miraculously provided sweet water ([Exodus 15:22-26](/exodus/15-22-26 "Exodus 15:22-26 - The Waters of Marah")), yet their trust faltered again when faced with a severe lack of food in the [Wilderness of Sin](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1 - Israel Enters the Wilderness of Sin"). Their profound complaints, articulated in [Exodus 16:2-3](/exodus/16-2-3 "Exodus 16:2-3 - Israel's Grumbling for Food"), reveal a nostalgic longing for the "fleshpots" of Egypt, even preferring slavery to perceived starvation. Moses and Aaron's declaration in verse 6, therefore, serves as God's direct and authoritative response to their grumbling, promising a tangible sign of His continued presence and power, thereby setting the stage for the miraculous daily provision of manna and quail detailed throughout the remainder of [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey from Egypt was far more than a mere geographical relocation; it was a profound spiritual and national transformation for a people who had endured centuries of slavery. The Israelites, having lived under the oppressive thumb of Pharaoh, had developed a deeply ingrained "slave mentality." This was characterized by a lack of self-reliance, a pervasive tendency to complain when faced with hardship, and a struggle to trust in an unseen God, despite His recent, overwhelming interventions. Their longing for Egyptian food, even if it meant a return to their former bondage ([Exodus 16:3](/exodus/16-3 "Exodus 16:3 - Israel's Complaint for Food")), vividly illustrates their spiritual immaturity and the deep-seated fear that still gripped them. God's overarching intention in the wilderness was not merely to lead them to the Promised Land, but to forge them into a distinct, holy nation wholly dependent on Him. The promised provision of food "at even" (referring to the quail) and "in the morning" (referring to the manna) established a daily rhythm of absolute dependence, teaching them that their sustenance came directly from the LORD, not from human effort, the fertile lands of Egypt, or the pagan deities they had witnessed. This daily, miraculous provision served as a direct counter-narrative to the idolatry and self-sufficiency of Egypt, powerfully demonstrating the unique power, faithfulness, and providential care of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:6 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Providence and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to provide for His people's every need, even in the most desolate environments. This verse also highlights the theme of **God's Self-Revelation**, as the purpose of the provision is for Israel to "know" experientially who the LORD is—their deliverer and sustainer. It underscores the recurring theme of **Israel's Grumbling and God's Patience**, showcasing God's grace in responding to their complaints with provision rather than immediate judgment. Furthermore, it reinforces the foundational theme of the **Exodus as a Redemptive Act**, constantly reminding the Israelites that their liberation was a divine initiative, not a human one. This ongoing reminder of their deliverance from Egypt ([Exodus 13:3](/exodus/13-3 "Exodus 13:3 - Remember This Day")) serves to solidify their identity as God's chosen people, continually dependent on His mighty hand, a theme that echoes throughout their wilderness journey and beyond, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remember the LORD Your God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _ʼAhărôwn'_):** This name, of uncertain derivation, refers to Aaron, the elder brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His inclusion alongside Moses in this declaration underscores his divinely appointed role as a mediator and spokesman for God, reinforcing the authoritative and unified nature of the message delivered to the Israelites. His presence signifies a joint divine commission.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb _yâdaʻ_ (H3045) signifies a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge, extending far beyond mere intellectual apprehension or factual recognition. In this context, it implies a personal encounter and a transformative realization. The Israelites were not simply to be informed that God had delivered them; they were to *experience* His ongoing power, faithfulness, and provision in such a way that it would fundamentally reshape their understanding of His character and their relationship with Him. This knowledge would be forged in the crucible of their daily dependence on Him.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The capitalized "LORD" in the KJV translates the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), God's personal covenant name. This name, derived from the verb "to be" (H1961, _hâyâh_), signifies God's self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")) and His active, relational presence as the eternal, unchanging God who keeps His promises. When Moses and Aaron declare that "the LORD" has brought them out of Egypt, they are not referring to a generic deity, but to the specific, powerful, and covenant-keeping God who made a solemn covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and who is now demonstrating His faithfulness through mighty acts of salvation and provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the authoritative and divinely sanctioned source of the message. Moses and Aaron are God's chosen mediators and spokesmen, conveying His direct word to the grumbling community. This highlights the divine origin of the coming provision and the revelation that accompanies it, ensuring that the Israelites understand this is not a spontaneous human solution but a direct response from God Himself. Their joint declaration emphasizes the unity of God's leadership.
* **"At even, then ye shall know"**: This specifies both the timing and the profound nature of the impending revelation. "At even" points to the arrival of the quail, a tangible and immediate answer to their specific complaint about meat. The phrase "then ye shall know" underscores that the primary purpose of this miraculous event is not merely physical sustenance, but a profound, experiential learning about God's character, power, and faithfulness. The provision serves as a pedagogical tool, designed to move them from intellectual assent to deep, personal understanding.
* **"that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:"**: This is the core truth God intends to impress upon their hearts and minds. The miraculous provision of food will serve as irrefutable, tangible evidence that their exodus was not a random event, a stroke of luck, or a human feat, but a deliberate, powerful, and redemptive act orchestrated solely by YHWH. It is a re-authentication of His identity as their deliverer and sustainer, designed to combat their amnesia, doubt, and slave mentality in the wilderness, reminding them of the foundational act of their redemption.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:6 is rich with several significant literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Divine Speech/Prophetic Declaration**, where Moses and Aaron function as direct conduits for God's message, lending immense authority and weight to the promise. The phrase "then ye shall know" serves as a form of **Epistemological Revelation**, clearly stating that the impending miracle is designed to impart a deep, experiential knowledge of God's identity and power, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding. There is also a powerful element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; the Israelites complain bitterly, longing for the "fleshpots" of Egypt and even preferring slavery to starvation, yet God's response is not immediate judgment but an act of profound grace and provision, turning their faithlessness into an opportunity for Him to display His unwavering faithfulness. This also sets up a **Test** for Israel, as their obedience in gathering the manna (or lack thereof) will further reveal the condition of their hearts. Finally, the recurring motif of "brought you out from the land of Egypt" functions as a **Leitmotif** or **Thematic Repetition**, serving as a constant, foundational reminder to both the characters within the narrative and the reader of the foundational act of redemption upon which all subsequent divine interaction and covenant relationship are based.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:6 stands as a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty, His compassionate character, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their profound unfaithfulness and persistent grumbling. It reveals a God who is not only powerful enough to deliver His people from bondage but also intimately concerned and compassionate enough to sustain them through every trial, transforming moments of human complaint into opportunities for divine self-revelation. The verse underscores the crucial theological truth that God's acts of provision are never merely utilitarian; they are always deeply tied to His identity and His overarching redemptive purposes. He feeds them not just to satisfy physical hunger, but to deepen their experiential knowledge of Him as the LORD (YHWH), their faithful deliverer and sustainer. The wilderness, therefore, becomes a divinely appointed classroom where God patiently teaches His people dependence, trust, and the true, liberating meaning of their redemption.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Psalm 78:19-25](/psalm/78-19-25 "Psalm 78:19-25 - Israel's Grumbling and God's Gracious Provision")
* [Nehemiah 9:15](/nehemiah/9-15 "Nehemiah 9:15 - God's Provision of Bread and Water in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:6 offers a timeless and profound mirror for our own spiritual journeys. Like the Israelites, we frequently find ourselves in "wilderness" seasons—periods of scarcity, uncertainty, or hardship—where past deliverances fade from memory and present needs loom large, often leading us to grumble, doubt, and even long for the perceived "comforts" of our former spiritual or emotional bondage. This verse powerfully reminds us that God's response to our complaints is often not immediate judgment, but a gracious invitation to deeper trust and a fresh, transformative revelation of His character. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize God's sovereign hand at work, proving His faithfulness. Just as He miraculously provided for Israel, He continues to provide for us, not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, often in ways that defy our expectations. Our ongoing task is to cultivate an "experiential knowledge" of Him, actively remembering His past faithfulness to fuel our present trust, and allowing His daily, often subtle, provision to deepen our understanding of His identity as our ever-present, all-sufficient LORD. This verse calls us to move from a place of grumbling to one of grateful dependence, recognizing His hand in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently grumbling or expressing discontent, rather than trusting God's provision and timing?**
* **How has God demonstrably "brought me out" of difficult or seemingly impossible situations in my past, and how can I intentionally recall those acts of deliverance to strengthen my faith today?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know" God experientially, beyond intellectual assent, and what practical steps can I take to deepen that intimate knowledge in my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God provide food only after they complained?**

Answer: God's timing often allows human need and desperation to become fully evident, not because He is unaware of their plight, but to highlight His grace and power more profoundly. It wasn't *because* they complained that He provided, but *despite* their complaints, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His desire to reveal Himself as the one who delivers and sustains. Their grumbling provided the dramatic context for a profound display of divine provision, serving as both a test of their faith and a powerful, unforgettable lesson in dependence. This pattern is seen elsewhere in their journey, such as with the bitter waters of Marah in [Exodus 15:22-26](/exodus/15-22-26 "Exodus 15:22-26 - The Waters of Marah"), where God provided a solution after their complaint.

**What is the significance of "at even"?**

Answer: The phrase "at even" (or "in the evening") is highly significant because it specifies the precise timing of God's initial provision of meat, referring to the arrival of the quails, as detailed in [Exodus 16:13](/exodus/16-13 "Exodus 16:13 - Quail in the Evening"). This miraculous event was then followed by the appearance of the manna "in the morning" ([Exodus 16:13-14](/exodus/16-13-14 "Exodus 16:13-14 - Quail and Manna Provided")). This established a clear, daily rhythm of divine provision, setting a tangible expectation for the Israelites and demonstrating God's immediate and tangible response to their specific needs for both bread and meat. It left no doubt about the supernatural source of their sustenance and reinforced their daily dependence on Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:6, with its profound emphasis on God's self-revelation through miraculous provision in the desolate wilderness, finds its ultimate and most glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. The daily manna, provided "at even" and "in the morning" to sustain physical life and teach dependence, serves as a powerful and direct foreshadowing of Christ as the "true bread from heaven" ([John 6:32](/john/6-32 "John 6:32 - Jesus, the True Bread from Heaven")). While the Israelites "knew" God experientially through the temporary sustenance of manna, Jesus declares, "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")). The ultimate demonstration that "the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt" is profoundly echoed in Christ's own "coming out of Egypt" as an infant ([Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - The Flight to Egypt")) and, more significantly, in His climactic act of bringing humanity out of the far greater bondage of sin and death through His perfect sacrifice on the cross. He is the ultimate "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")), providing not just temporary physical nourishment but eternal spiritual life and true freedom. The grumbling of Israel in the wilderness, rooted in their lack of faith and spiritual amnesia, finds its ultimate answer in the perfect obedience, all-sufficient provision, and compassionate invitation of Christ, who satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul and brings His people into true rest and abundant life ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the faithful LORD who continually delivers and sustains.

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 6:7

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Numbers 16:28

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind.

Exodus 16:12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 16:13

¶ And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

Numbers 16:30

But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

Exodus 32:11

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.