Exodus 16:9

KJV

And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} spake {H559} unto Aaron {H175}, Say {H559} unto all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, Come near {H7126} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: for he hath heard {H8085} your murmurings {H8519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to Aharon, "Say to the whole community of Isra'el, 'Come close, into the presence of ADONAI, for he has heard your grumblings.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation of Israel, ‘Come before the LORD, for He has heard your grumbling.’”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before Jehovah; for he hath heard your murmurings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:9 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, illustrating God's profound attentiveness and compassionate response to human discontent. Following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites, facing the harsh realities of the Wilderness of Sin, voiced deep complaints against Moses and Aaron, effectively murmuring against God Himself. This verse records God's direct command for the entire congregation to draw near, not for condemnation, but to witness His imminent display of glory and provision, thereby transforming a moment of faithless grumbling into an opportunity for divine revelation and renewed trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 16:9 is strategically placed within a crucial narrative sequence that highlights Israel's initial post-Exodus challenges and God's consistent faithfulness. The preceding verses [Exodus 16:1-3](/exodus/16-1-3 "Exodus 16:1-3 - Israel's Complaints in the Wilderness of Sin") establish the dire circumstances—the Israelites' hunger in the Wilderness of Sin—and their subsequent "murmuring" against Moses and Aaron, expressing a nostalgic desire for the perceived security of Egypt. Moses and Aaron, understanding the true nature of their complaints, immediately bring these grievances before the LORD [Exodus 16:6-8](/exodus/16-6-8 "Exodus 16:6-8 - Moses and Aaron Address the Complaints"). Verse 9, therefore, functions as the divine directive for a public assembly, setting the stage for God's direct intervention and miraculous provision. This divine command precedes the appearance of quails in the evening and manna in the morning, detailed in [Exodus 16:13-15](/exodus/16-13-15 "Exodus 16:13-15 - The Provision of Quails and Manna"), serving to validate God's leadership and His unwavering care for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had recently witnessed and experienced extraordinary acts of divine power, including the ten plagues against Egypt [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues on Egypt"), the Passover deliverance [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). Despite these overwhelming demonstrations of God's might and covenant faithfulness, their journey into the desolate wilderness presented immediate and severe challenges, particularly the lack of sustenance. This context of scarcity, combined with a deeply ingrained mindset of dependence from generations of slavery, fostered a recurring pattern of "murmuring" (Hebrew: *təlunnâh*) against their divinely appointed leaders and, implicitly, against God Himself. This grumbling was more than mere complaint; it signified a profound lack of trust in God's ability or willingness to sustain them. The invitation to "[Come near before the LORD](/exodus/16-9 "Exodus 16:9 - Come Near Before the LORD")" in this setting represents a critical moment of divine encounter, designed to re-establish trust, demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over their physical needs, and reinforce His covenant relationship with His newly liberated people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Provision**, demonstrating God's commitment to sustaining His people even in the most desolate circumstances, often in miraculous ways. Secondly, it highlights the recurring theme of **Human Discontent and Rebellion**, as the Israelites repeatedly grumble despite God's faithfulness, revealing the deep-seated sin of unbelief that characterized much of their wilderness journey (e.g., [Numbers 14:27](/numbers/14-27 "Numbers 14:27 - God Hears the Murmurings")). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Attentiveness and Patience**, showing that even in the face of sinful complaints, God hears His people and responds with grace, seeking to draw them closer to Himself rather than immediately punishing their faithlessness. Finally, it emphasizes the **Mediatorial Role of Moses and Aaron**, as they serve as the crucial link between God's commands and the congregation's experience of divine revelation and provision, a role seen throughout the [book of Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Murmurings (Hebrew, _təlunnâh'_):** This term (H8519), derived from the root meaning "to grumble" or "to lodge," refers to a deep-seated, often obstinate, and resentful expression of discontent. In the context of Exodus, it describes not merely the voicing of a need but a faithless questioning of God's leadership and provision, frequently accompanied by a nostalgic longing for the past, even if that past was one of bondage. God's act of "hearing" these "murmurings" highlights His omnipresence and attentiveness, even to the unrighteous complaints of His people, setting the stage for His sovereign response.
* **Come near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** This imperative verb (H7126) signifies a command to approach, draw close, or bring near. In a cultic or theological context, "coming near before the LORD" often implies approaching for worship, sacrifice, or a divine encounter, frequently in a sacred space or in preparation for a revelation of God's presence or power. Here, it is a direct call for the entire congregation to assemble and witness God's response, transforming a moment of human complaint into an unprecedented opportunity for divine revelation and a renewed understanding of God's majestic character and unwavering care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses spake unto Aaron,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine chain of communication and authority. God speaks to Moses, who then relays the divine message to Aaron. This highlights Moses's unique and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator, and Aaron's complementary role as his spokesman, responsible for communicating God's will and commands to the assembled congregation.
* **"Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel,"**: This phrase underscores the collective nature of the divine command and the public scope of the impending revelation. God's response is not intended for a select few or for private consumption, but for the entire community of Israel, emphasizing His desire for all His people to witness His glory, acknowledge His sovereignty, and experience His faithful provision.
* **"Come near before the LORD:"**: This is the central, imperative command of the verse, an urgent invitation for the people to physically and spiritually draw close to God's manifested presence. It functions as a solemn summons to attention, an urgent call to an encounter where God Himself will directly address their grievances, shifting their focus from their grumbling and perceived lack to His majestic presence and impending intervention.
* **"for he hath heard your murmurings."**: This concluding clause provides the divine motivation and compassionate rationale for the command to draw near. It reassures the people that God is neither oblivious nor indifferent to their plight or their complaints, even if those complaints are rooted in faithlessness and distrust. It emphatically underscores God's active attentiveness and His immediate intention to respond, thereby setting the stage for the miraculous provision of manna and quails that follows.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:9 effectively employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Direct Address** is prominently featured as Moses, through Aaron, issues a direct command to "all the congregation of the children of Israel," creating an immediate and urgent sense of responsibility and expectation for the people to respond. The phrase "for he hath heard your murmurings" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human characteristic of hearing to God. This device makes God's attentiveness relatable and emphasizes His active, personal engagement with human affairs, reassuring the people that their cries—even their unrighteous grumbles—do not go unnoticed by the divine. Furthermore, the imperative "Come near before the LORD" functions as a powerful **Call to Encounter**, transforming a moment of human complaint and doubt into an invitation for a profound divine revelation. This call is highly symbolic, inviting the people not merely to physical proximity but to a spiritual readiness to witness God's power and provision, thereby shifting their focus from their own desires and perceived lack to God's sovereign care and abounding grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:9 profoundly reveals God's multifaceted character as both sovereign and deeply compassionate. Despite the Israelites' repeated "murmurings"—a recurring sin throughout their wilderness journey that consistently demonstrated a profound lack of faith and trust in His leadership—God does not abandon them to their complaints or immediately mete out judgment. Instead, He hears their grievances and responds with an invitation to draw near, not for condemnation, but for a magnificent demonstration of His unfailing provision and glory. This act foreshadows God's continuous, gracious care for His people, even in their spiritual shortcomings and moments of rebellion, highlighting His enduring grace and faithfulness that transcend human sin. It establishes a divine pattern where God's response to human need often involves a revelation of His glory and a call to a deeper, more trusting relationship.

* [Numbers 11:1](/numbers/11-1 "Numbers 11:1 - Israel's Complaining and God's Anger")
* [Psalm 78:17-20](/psalms/78-17-20 "Psalm 78:17-20 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Patience")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:9 serves as a profound and timeless mirror for our own spiritual journey. It powerfully reminds us that God is intimately attentive to our every word, even our complaints and expressions of discontent. The Israelites' murmuring stemmed from a profound lack of trust in God's provision, despite His overwhelming past faithfulness. This narrative compels us to critically examine the nature of our own "murmurings" – are they genuine cries for help rooted in humble dependence, or are they expressions of impatience, doubt, fear, or a desire to control circumstances rather than faithfully trusting God's perfect timing and sovereign wisdom? The divine invitation to "come near before the LORD" is equally relevant and urgent for believers today. In moments of anxiety, perceived scarcity, or deep frustration, we are called not to withdraw in complaint or self-pity but to actively draw closer to God's presence. This drawing near is an essential act of faith, a humble acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty, and a confident expectation of His divine care and intervention. It profoundly encourages us to shift our focus from our perceived lack to the inexhaustible abundance of God's grace and provision, fostering a spirit of gratitude, peace, and unwavering trust even amidst the most challenging circumstances of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "murmurings" in my own heart or life that I need to bring before the Lord, acknowledging His attentiveness?**
* **How does my immediate response to challenging circumstances reflect the depth of my trust in God's provision and faithfulness?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can I "come near before the LORD" when I feel anxious, discontent, or overwhelmed by life's demands?**
* **How does remembering God's compassionate attentiveness to Israel's complaints encourage me to be more honest, vulnerable, and persistent in my own prayers?**

### FAQ
**Why did God respond to the Israelites' complaining, even though it was a sign of their lack of faith?**

Answer: God's response to the Israelites' murmuring, despite its origin in their lack of faith, profoundly highlights His compassionate and covenantal nature. While their complaints were indeed sinful and indicative of deep distrust, God chose to demonstrate His faithfulness and power. This was not an endorsement of their grumbling but an act of immense grace designed to teach them about His character and to sustain them physically in the wilderness. It underscores that God's love and unwavering commitment to His people often precede and even prompt their repentance and growth in faith. His immediate provision of manna and quails [Exodus 16:13-15](/exodus/16-13-15 "Exodus 16:13-15 - The Provision of Quails and Manna") was a tangible sign of His enduring care, even for a rebellious people, aiming to build their trust.

**What does "come near before the LORD" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "come near before the LORD" signifies an invitation to intimate communion, reverent worship, and confident access to God's presence. While the physical manifestation of God's presence was unique and visible in the wilderness, through the finished work of Jesus Christ, we now have direct, unhindered access to God's presence. It means approaching God in prayer, through worship, and by diligently studying His Word with both reverence and confident expectation. It is a profound call to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace"), knowing that because of Jesus, our great High Priest, we are welcomed into His presence to receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. Ultimately, it's an invitation to shift our focus from our problems and anxieties to God's sovereign presence, inexhaustible power, and unfailing love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:9, with its vivid depiction of God hearing Israel's murmurings and extending an invitation for them to "come near," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Israelites' complaints arose from physical hunger, prompting God to miraculously provide manna, the "bread from heaven" [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna from Heaven"). This miraculous provision serves as a direct and powerful foreshadowing of Jesus, who unequivocally declares Himself to be the true "bread of life" [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). Unlike the temporary manna that sustained only physical life and eventually ceased, Jesus offers spiritual sustenance that leads to eternal life, satisfying the deepest hunger of the human soul in a way no earthly provision ever could. Furthermore, the imperative command to "come near before the LORD" is perfectly and eternally realized in Christ. Under the Old Covenant, drawing near to God often involved specific rituals, the mediation of priests, and a pervasive sense of distance due to human sin. However, Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, has become the ultimate and eternal High Priest [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who enables us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace"). He fully hears our cries, not just our complaints, but our prayers, our deepest longings, and our unspoken needs, and He continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession"). In Christ, God's compassionate attentiveness to human need and His gracious invitation to intimate communion are perfectly and eternally embodied, offering not just temporary provision but everlasting life and an unbreakable, personal relationship with the Father [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

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 16:16

And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:

Exodus 16:8

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.

Exodus 16:2

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: