Exodus 16:8

KJV

And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, This shall be, when the LORD {H3068} shall give {H5414} you in the evening {H6153} flesh {H1320} to eat {H398}, and in the morning {H1242} bread {H3899} to the full {H7646}; for that the LORD {H3068} heareth {H8085} your murmurings {H8519} which ye murmur {H3885} against him: and what are we {H5168}? your murmurings {H8519} are not against us, but against the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe added, "What I have said will happen when ADONAI gives you meat to eat this evening and your fill of bread tomorrow morning. ADONAI has listened to your complaints and grumblings against him - what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

And Moses added, “The LORD will give you meat to eat this evening and bread to fill you in the morning, for He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said, This shall be, when Jehovah shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that Jehovah heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:8 captures a pivotal moment in the wilderness narrative where Moses confronts the Israelites' persistent complaints about hunger, revealing that their grumbling, though seemingly directed at human leaders, is a direct affront to God Himself. In response, Moses announces God's impending miraculous provision of meat in the evening and abundant bread in the morning, demonstrating divine faithfulness and sovereignty even in the face of human doubt and rebellion. This declaration underscores God's intimate awareness of His people's hearts and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even as He exposes the true nature of their sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey following their dramatic deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Specifically, it appears after the crossing of the Red Sea in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") and the initial challenge of the bitter waters at Marah in [Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Waters of Marah and Elim"). The immediate context in [Exodus 16:1-7](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1-7 - Israel's Murmuring and God's Response") details the Israelites' arrival in the Wilderness of Sin, where they quickly voice their discontent over the lack of food, expressing a nostalgic longing for the "flesh pots" of Egypt. Moses and Aaron are presented as the immediate recipients of these complaints. Therefore, Exodus 16:8 serves as Moses' divinely inspired response, clarifying the profound spiritual dimension of their grumbling and setting the stage for God's miraculous provision of manna and quail, which begins to unfold from [Exodus 16:11](/exodus/16-11 "Exodus 16:11 - The LORD Hears and Promises Food"). It marks a crucial turning point, shifting the focus from the people's sin to God's compassionate yet firm response, emphasizing His sovereignty over their sustenance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a vast multitude estimated in the millions, had recently been liberated from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt. Their journey into the desert, an arid and inhospitable environment, presented immediate and severe challenges to their survival, particularly regarding a consistent supply of food and water. Despite having witnessed the ten plagues and the miraculous [Red Sea deliverance](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel Sees God's Deliverance"), their faith was shallow and easily tested by physical hardship. Their "murmurings" were not merely expressions of discomfort but reflected a deep-seated lack of trust in God's ability and willingness to sustain them in this new, unfamiliar context of freedom and dependence. Culturally, such a large group would have had immense logistical needs, and the desert offered no natural means to meet them. Their complaints reflect a common human tendency to revert to known, albeit oppressive, security rather than embracing the unknown freedom and radical dependence on God. This period in the wilderness was divinely purposed as a proving ground, intended to teach them absolute reliance on God and to solidify His covenant relationship with them, as hinted at in [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Tests Israel with Manna").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God demonstrates His absolute power and willingness to sustain His people, providing food where there is none. Second, it highlights the recurring theme of **Human Rebellion and Lack of Faith**. The Israelites' murmurings are a consistent motif throughout the wilderness journey, exposing their spiritual immaturity and their struggle to trust God beyond immediate circumstances. This theme is further developed in passages like [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea"). Third, the verse underscores the **Nature of Sin as Rebellion Against God**. Moses clarifies that their complaints are not merely against human leaders but ultimately against the LORD Himself, elevating the issue from a logistical problem to a theological one. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as He continues to act on behalf of His people despite their provocations, remaining true to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** This term (H1320) refers to the physical body or meat. In the context of Exodus 16:8, it specifically denotes the meat that God promises to provide in the evening, fulfilling the Israelites' longing for the "flesh pots" of Egypt. It signifies tangible, physical sustenance, highlighting God's direct and practical response to their hunger. The use of this word emphasizes the concrete nature of God's provision, addressing their immediate physical need.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its repeated use throughout this verse, particularly in phrases like "the LORD shall give you" and "the LORD heareth your murmurings," profoundly emphasizes that it is the personal, faithful, covenant-keeping God who is actively involved in their situation. Their complaints are not against an impersonal force or mere human leaders, but against the very God who delivered them and entered into a relationship with them, highlighting the intensely personal nature of their rebellion.
* **murmurings (Hebrew, _tᵉlûwnâh'_):** This term (H8519), derived from the root _lûwn_ (H3885) meaning "to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)," signifies more than a casual complaint. It denotes a deep-seated, persistent grumbling, often implying a rebellious attitude, a lack of trust, or even a challenge to authority. In the context of Exodus, it consistently points to the Israelites' discontent not just with their circumstances or leaders, but ultimately with God Himself and His divine plan. It suggests a profound spiritual dissatisfaction and a questioning of God's goodness and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full":** Moses announces God's specific and abundant provision. The phrase "[This shall be]" implies a direct divine decree and promise, emphasizing the certainty of God's action. God is not merely reacting but demonstrating His sovereign power and faithfulness by promising to provide both meat (quail) in the evening and bread (manna) in the morning, ensuring their complete satisfaction ("to the full"). This promise directly addresses their stated need for food and anticipates the miraculous daily provision that will sustain them for forty years in the wilderness.
* **"for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him":** This clause reveals the divine rationale behind God's action and exposes the true nature of the Israelites' sin. God is omniscient; He hears every complaint, even those whispered in the wilderness. Crucially, Moses clarifies that their "murmurings" are not just heard, but are *against Him* (God). This reorients the people's perspective, exposing the true target of their discontent. Their grumbling is not merely a logistical complaint but a direct affront to God's authority, wisdom, and love, a challenge to His covenant faithfulness.
* **"and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.":** Moses and Aaron humble themselves, deflecting the complaints from their own persons. By asking "what are we?", they emphasize their subordinate role as God's appointed servants, not the ultimate source of their circumstances or provision. This rhetorical question serves to redirect the Israelites' focus entirely from human leadership to the divine authority. It underscores that their rebellion is a theological issue, a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and goodness, not merely a dispute with their human leaders.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the LORD" (YHWH) and "your murmurings" powerfully emphasizes the divine recipient of the complaints and the persistent nature of the people's sin. This repetition draws a stark contrast between God's unwavering faithfulness and the Israelites' fickle trust. A **Rhetorical Question** is skillfully used by Moses with "and what [are] we?", which serves to humble himself and Aaron while simultaneously elevating God's supreme authority, effectively shifting the focus of the people's rebellion from human leaders to the divine. This also functions as a form of **Apostrophe**, as Moses directly addresses the complaining Israelites, though the true subject of the discourse is God's response to their sin. Finally, there is a clear **Antithesis** established between the Israelites' human-directed complaints and their true, divine target: "your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD." This sharp contrast highlights the profound spiritual nature of their discontent and God's perception of their rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:8 profoundly illustrates the nature of human sin and divine faithfulness. It reveals that dissatisfaction with circumstances or human authorities often stems from a deeper distrust or rebellion against God's sovereignty and provision. God, though offended by their grumbling, still demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant people by promising to meet their needs abundantly. This act of provision, even in the face of their sin, highlights His grace and patience, while simultaneously clarifying the serious spiritual implications of their complaints. It teaches that God is intimately aware of His people's hearts and words, and that true peace and satisfaction come from trusting in His ultimate plan and provision, rather than succumbing to discontent. This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding the dynamics of God's relationship with His often-rebellious people.

* [Numbers 14:2](/numbers/14-2 "Numbers 14:2 - Israel's Murmuring and Rebellion")
* [Psalm 78:24-25](/psalms/78-24 "Psalm 78:24-25 - God Provides Manna and Quail")
* [1 Corinthians 10:10](/1_corinthians/10-10 "1 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Warning Against Grumbling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:8 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the human tendency towards discontent and the divine response of unwavering faithfulness. In our own lives, it is remarkably easy to grumble about perceived lacks, difficult circumstances, or the actions of those in authority. This verse challenges us to look beyond the immediate object of our frustration and consider whether our complaints are, at their root, an expression of distrust in God's ultimate control and goodness. Just as God heard the Israelites' murmurings, He hears ours. The passage calls us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and faith, recognizing that God is our ultimate provider and sustainer. Rather than allowing discontent to fester, we are invited to bring our needs and anxieties to God in prayer, trusting that He is able to provide "to the full," and to transform our hearts from grumbling to grateful worship. This passage reminds us that true spiritual maturity involves recognizing God's hand in all circumstances and responding with faith rather than complaint.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the underlying reasons for my own "murmurings" or complaints in difficult situations?**
* **How does recognizing that my complaints are ultimately "against the LORD" change my perspective on them?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to trust God's provision and sovereignty more fully, rather than giving in to discontent?**

### FAQ

**Why did God provide food for the Israelites when they were complaining against Him?**

Answer: God provided food for the Israelites despite their complaining primarily because of His covenant faithfulness and His compassionate nature. While their "murmurings" were indeed a sin against Him, God had promised to bring them into the Promised Land and sustain them. His provision of manna and quail, as described in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail"), demonstrated His power and His commitment to His people, even when they were undeserving. This act of grace also served a pedagogical purpose: to teach them dependence on Him and to test their obedience, as mentioned in [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Tests Israel with Manna"). It was a display of both His justice (in hearing their complaints as rebellion) and His mercy (in meeting their needs), aiming to draw them into deeper trust rather than simply punishing their sin.

**What is the significance of Moses and Aaron saying, "what are we?"?**

Answer: When Moses and Aaron say, "what are we?", they are demonstrating profound humility and sound spiritual leadership. They are deflecting the people's complaints from themselves and redirecting the focus to God. This rhetorical question highlights their understanding that they are merely instruments in God's hands, not the ultimate source of the Israelites' problems or solutions. By saying "your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD," they make it clear that the people's discontent is a theological issue, a rebellion against divine authority and provision, rather than a personal grievance against human leaders. This act of self-effacement serves to magnify God's sovereignty and to expose the true nature of the people's sin, calling them to account before the Almighty.

**Did the Israelites ever stop complaining after this incident?**

Answer: Unfortunately, the incident in Exodus 16 was not the last time the Israelites complained. The pattern of murmuring recurred throughout their wilderness journey, demonstrating a persistent lack of faith and a rebellious spirit. Notable instances include their complaints about water at Rephidim ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock")), their fear and rebellion after the spies' report ([Numbers 14:1-10](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-10 - The People Rebel After the Spies' Report")), and their complaints about the manna itself ([Numbers 21:5](/numbers/21-5 "Numbers 21:5 - Israel Complains About Manna")). This recurring theme highlights the deep-seated spiritual problem of unbelief and dissatisfaction, which ultimately led to the generation that left Egypt perishing in the wilderness, unable to enter the Promised Land due to their persistent unbelief and rebellion against God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:8, with its promise of bread from heaven and meat in the evening, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the manna provided physical sustenance for a temporal journey, Jesus declares Himself to be the true "Bread of Life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). He contrasts the manna, which their fathers ate and still died, with Himself, stating that whoever comes to Him will never hunger and whoever believes in Him will never thirst ([John 6:49-51](/john/6-49 "John 6:49-51 - Manna vs. The Bread of Life")). The grumbling of the Israelites against Moses and God in the wilderness foreshadows humanity's inherent spiritual discontent and rebellion against God's provision, a rebellion that only Christ can truly satisfy. Jesus, the Lamb of God, provides not just physical food but eternal life ([John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Labor for the Food that Endures")), overcoming the spiritual hunger and death that the manna could not. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate provision, satisfying God's righteous demands and offering true nourishment for the soul, transforming the heart from murmuring to worship and eternal gratitude. He is the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest needs, the divine provision that truly fills "to the full" ([John 6:58](/john/6-58 "John 6:58 - Eating the Bread of Life")), ensuring that those who partake of Him will live 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.

Cross-References

Romans 13:2

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

1 Samuel 8:7

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Numbers 14:27

How long [shall I bear with] this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

1 Thessalonians 4:8

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Numbers 21:7

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

John 13:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.