Exodus 16:7

KJV

And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what [are] we, that ye murmur against us?

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the morning {H1242}, then ye shall see {H7200} the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068}; for that he heareth {H8085} your murmurings {H8519} against the LORD {H3068}: and what are we {H5168}, that ye murmur {H3885}{H3885} against us?

Complete Jewish Bible

and in the morning, you will see ADONAI's glory. For he has listened to your grumblings against ADONAI - what are we that you should grumble against us?"

Berean Standard Bible

and in the morning you will see the LORD’s glory, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. For who are we that you should grumble against us?”

American Standard Version

and in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of Jehovah; for that he heareth your murmurings against Jehovah: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:7 serves as a crucial declaration by Moses and Aaron to the complaining Israelites in the wilderness, revealing God's impending miraculous provision of manna and quail. It explicitly links the manifestation of the Lord's glory to His hearing of their complaints, clarifying that their discontent, though seemingly directed at human leaders, was in fact an affront to God Himself. This verse sets the stage for a profound demonstration of divine faithfulness, sovereign provision, and underscores the serious nature of human distrust and ingratitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 16:7 is situated within the narrative of Israel's journey through the wilderness of Sin, approximately two months after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the crossing of the Red Sea. The preceding verses [Exodus 16:1-3](/exodus/16-1-3 "Exodus 16:1-3 - Israel's Complaints for Food") detail the Israelites' bitter complaints against Moses and Aaron, expressing a nostalgic longing for the "flesh pots" of Egypt, where at least they had food, even if they were enslaved. God, through Moses, responds to these complaints by promising to "rain bread from heaven" [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Promises Manna") and provide meat in the evening. Verse 6 establishes that the evening's provision of quail would demonstrate that the Lord brought them out of Egypt, while verse 7, the focus, promises the morning's manifestation of His glory through the manna, explicitly connecting it to His having "heard" their complaints. This immediate context highlights a recurring pattern of divine provision following human grumbling, setting a precedent for God's patient yet firm dealings with His people, even in their rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently freed from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, were a vast multitude, likely numbering over two million people when accounting for women and children, based on the 600,000 men mentioned in [Exodus 12:37](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - The Exodus from Rameses"). They were navigating a harsh, arid wilderness, a stark contrast to the fertile Nile Delta they had left behind. Their complaints about food and water (as seen in [Exodus 15:24](/exodus/15-24 "Exodus 15:24 - Murmuring at Marah") and [Exodus 17:3](/exodus/17-3 "Exodus 17:3 - Murmuring at Rephidim")) were rooted in genuine physical need but also in a deep-seated lack of faith and a "slave mentality" that struggled to trust in an unseen God for daily sustenance. Culturally, their experience was a radical shift from a structured, albeit oppressive, society to a nomadic existence entirely dependent on divine intervention. The wilderness served as a crucible, designed to teach them absolute reliance on God, a lesson they repeatedly failed to grasp, often looking back to the perceived security of Egypt rather than forward in faith to God's promised land and His faithful provision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute power and willingness to sustain His people even in impossible circumstances. It reinforces His identity as the faithful covenant God who hears the cries of His people, even their complaints, and responds with grace and power, as seen throughout the wilderness narratives, for instance, in the provision of water at [Marah](/exodus/15-22-25 "Exodus 15:22-25 - Bitter Waters at Marah") and [Rephidim](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim"). Another key theme is the **Seriousness of Murmuring and Disbelief**. The Israelites' repeated grumbling highlights their lack of faith and profound spiritual immaturity, revealing a heart that questions God's goodness and leadership despite overwhelming evidence of His power (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). This theme recurs throughout Israel's wilderness journey, culminating in the judgment at [Kadesh Barnea](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Revelation of God's Glory**, showing that God's majesty is not only displayed in cosmic acts of power but also in His intimate, daily care for His people's most basic needs, drawing them into a deeper relationship with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd_ H3519):** Derived from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," this term denotes the manifest presence, majesty, and inherent worth of God. It is not merely an abstract concept but often refers to a visible, tangible, and awe-inspiring display of God's power and character. In the Old Testament, _kâbôwd_ is frequently associated with a cloud, fire, or brilliant light, signifying God's direct intervention and self-revelation (e.g., when the [glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). Here, the "glory of the LORD" is to be seen not in a dramatic fire or cloud, but in the miraculous, daily provision of food, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in a profoundly practical way. It underscores that God's glory is revealed not only in grand cosmic displays but also in His intimate care for His people's most basic needs.
* **Heareth (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_ H8085):** This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often with the implication of attention, obedience, or understanding. When applied to God, as here, it emphasizes His active awareness and responsiveness. God is not distant or indifferent; He "heareth" the complaints of His people. This hearing is not passive but signifies His full comprehension of their discontent and His readiness to act. The fact that He hears their "murmurings" highlights His patience and His sovereign oversight, even when His people are in rebellion. His hearing is the prelude to His magnificent display of provision.
* **Murmurings (Hebrew, _tᵉlûwnâh_ H8519, from _lûwn_ H3885):** This noun, derived from the verb _lûwn_ (to stop, by implication to be obstinate, especially in words, to complain), describes a low, continuous grumbling or complaining, often done in secret or under one's breath. It indicates deep-seated dissatisfaction, discontent, and a profound lack of trust. It is distinct from a respectful petition or lament; rather, it is a rebellious expression of doubt and accusation. The repetition of "murmurings against the LORD" emphasizes that while the complaints were voiced against Moses and Aaron, God perceived them as directed against His own authority and plan. This highlights the theological gravity of such discontent, revealing a heart that questions God's goodness, wisdom, and sovereign control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD;":** This initial clause establishes the precise timing for God's promised revelation and its nature. The "morning" signifies the dawn of a new day, bringing with it a fresh and tangible manifestation of God's presence and power. The Israelites are promised a direct, observable experience – they "shall see" – of God's "glory." In this specific context, this refers to the miraculous appearance of manna, demonstrating His ability to sustain them even in the barren wilderness. It is a promise of undeniable, practical evidence of His active involvement in their lives, designed to build their faith.
* **"for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD:":** This sub-clause provides the divine motivation and theological clarification for the manifestation of glory. God is not deaf to their complaints; He "heareth" them with full awareness. The crucial phrase "against the LORD" reorients the Israelites' understanding of their sin. Their grumbling, though articulated against Moses and Aaron, was ultimately an expression of distrust in God's leadership, His covenant promises, and His divine provision. God's response, therefore, is not merely to provide food but to reveal His glory *because* He has heard their complaints, demonstrating His sovereignty, patience, and unwavering commitment even in the face of their rebellion.
* **"and what [are] we, that ye murmur against us?":** This rhetorical question, posed by Moses and Aaron, serves to redirect the Israelites' focus and expose the true nature of their sin. By asking "what are we?", Moses and Aaron humbly underscore their own subordinate role as mere instruments of God, chosen vessels through whom God's will is executed. They emphasize that they are not the ultimate source of provision or authority. The implication is clear: if their complaints are not truly against Moses and Aaron, they must be against the One who sent them – God Himself. This question highlights the profound theological error in their grumbling and serves as a subtle yet powerful rebuke, forcing the Israelites to confront the true object of their discontent.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "he heareth your murmurings," attributing a human sense (hearing) to God. This device emphasizes His attentiveness and active awareness of His people's state, even their sinful grumbling, making God's presence more relatable and immediate. The verse also utilizes **Rhetorical Question** with "and what [are] we, that ye murmur against us?" This question is not meant to elicit a literal answer but to make a forceful point, highlighting the absurdity and theological error of the Israelites' complaints by shifting the focus from Moses and Aaron back to God as the ultimate object of their discontent. Furthermore, there is a striking element of **Irony** at play: God's glory, typically associated with overwhelming power and judgment, is here revealed through an act of humble, daily provision in response to rebellion. This unexpected manifestation of glory underscores God's character as both mighty and merciful, choosing to reveal His majesty through sustaining grace rather than immediate wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:7 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign provision, even in the face of human doubt and rebellion. It reveals that God's glory is not only manifest in grand displays of power but also in His intimate, sustained care for His people's daily needs. The verse also underscores the gravity of murmuring, clarifying that discontent directed at human leaders or circumstances is ultimately an expression of distrust in God's wisdom and goodness. God hears every complaint, and while He is patient to provide, He also makes clear that such grumbling is a serious affront to His authority and character. This narrative sets a pattern for understanding God's response to human sin and His persistent commitment to His covenant people, always seeking to reveal His character and draw them into deeper trust and dependence.

* [Numbers 14:27](/numbers/14-27 "Numbers 14:27 - God's Judgment on Murmuring")
* [Psalm 78:17-20](/psalm/78-17-20 "Psalm 78:17-20 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")
* [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1_corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - Warning Against Grumbling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:7 offers a timeless challenge and comfort for believers today. In a world often marked by scarcity, uncertainty, and a quickness to complain, this verse reminds us that God is intimately aware of our needs and hears our every word, even our grumbling. His response, however, is often not immediate judgment but a gracious, albeit challenging, demonstration of His glory through provision. It calls us to examine the root of our own discontent: are our complaints truly about circumstances, or do they mask a deeper distrust in God's sovereignty, goodness, and ability to care for us? Learning to recognize God's hand in our daily provisions, no matter how mundane, transforms our perspective from one of scarcity to one of profound gratitude. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of dependence and thanksgiving, trusting that the God who provided manna in the wilderness is still faithful to meet our needs, often in ways that reveal His glory in the most unexpected places. It invites us to shift our focus from our perceived lack to His unfailing abundance, fostering a deeper, more resilient faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself most prone to murmuring or complaining, and what might that reveal about your trust in God's provision or plan?**
* **How can you intentionally look for and "see the glory of the LORD" in your daily life, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances or provisions?**
* **Considering that God "heareth your murmurings," how does this awareness impact your approach to prayer and expressing your needs or frustrations to Him?**
* **What is the practical difference between a legitimate lament or petition to God and the sin of murmuring, as exemplified by the Israelites?**

### FAQ

**What does "the glory of the LORD" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Exodus 16:7, "the glory of the LORD" refers to a visible, awe-inspiring manifestation of God's presence, power, and majesty, specifically demonstrated through His miraculous provision of manna. While God's glory often appeared as a cloud or fire (as seen later when the [glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")), here it is seen in the tangible, supernatural appearance of food from heaven. This shows that God's glory is not limited to dramatic displays but is also profoundly revealed in His faithful, daily care for His people's most basic needs, proving His active involvement and power to sustain them in the wilderness. It is a glory revealed in grace and sustenance.

**Why did God provide food for the Israelites if they were complaining and showing a lack of faith?**

Answer: God provided food despite their complaints for several profound reasons, primarily demonstrating His covenant faithfulness, sovereign character, and redemptive purpose. First, He is a God of compassion and mercy, who hears the cries of His people, even when those cries are tinged with rebellion and ingratitude. His provision was an act of grace, not a reward for their obedience. Second, His provision was a fulfillment of His promise to sustain them as they journeyed to the Promised Land, reinforcing His identity as their deliverer and provider (as seen in [Exodus 16:6](/exodus/16-6 "Exodus 16:6 - God's Promise of Provision")). Third, the miraculous provision of manna and quail served as a tangible sign of His presence and power, intended to build their faith and teach them absolute dependence on Him, even if they often failed the lesson. This act of provision, despite their sin, highlights God's patience and His persistent desire for His people to know Him and trust in His unfailing goodness.

**Why is murmuring considered such a serious offense against the LORD?**

Answer: Murmuring is a serious offense because, as Exodus 16:7 clarifies, it is ultimately directed "against the LORD" Himself, not merely against human leaders or challenging circumstances. It reveals a deep-seated distrust in God's goodness, wisdom, and sovereign control over one's life. When the Israelites complained about food, they were essentially questioning God's ability or willingness to care for them, despite His recent, powerful deliverance from Egypt and numerous demonstrations of His power. This lack of faith and rebellious discontent undermines God's authority, dishonors His character, and rejects His providential care. The New Testament also warns against murmuring, citing the Israelites' example as a cautionary tale for believers, emphasizing that such discontent can provoke God's wrath (e.g., [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1_corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - Warning Against Grumbling")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:7, with its revelation of God's glory in the provision of manna amidst murmuring, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Himself is the ultimate manifestation of the "glory of the LORD," the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Just as God provided physical bread in the wilderness to sustain a grumbling people, Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life" who came down from heaven, offering eternal sustenance that truly satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul (see [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [John 6:48-51](/john/6-48-51 "John 6:48-51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). The Israelites murmured for physical food, yet Christ offers spiritual nourishment that brings eternal life. Furthermore, the seriousness of murmuring against God in Exodus foreshadows the greater sin of unbelief and rejection of Christ. While the Israelites complained about Moses and Aaron, ultimately against God's appointed leadership, those who reject Jesus are rejecting God's ultimate provision and the very embodiment of His glory and redemptive plan. Yet, in His boundless grace, Christ extends an invitation to all, even those who doubt or complain, to come to Him and find true rest and satisfaction, thereby fulfilling God's patient and merciful character revealed in the wilderness, but now in an infinitely superior way through His own person and atoning work on the cross.

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

Numbers 16:11

For which cause [both] thou and all thy company [are] gathered together against the LORD: and what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

John 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Exodus 16:10

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

Exodus 40:34

¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.