Exodus 16:15

When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

Study Bible

When the Israelites saw it
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of divine revelation and provision. The Israelites, having left Egypt, were in a wilderness where sustenance was scarce. The Hebrew word for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests perception and understanding. This moment is a call to recognize God's providence, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, reminding believers to see beyond the physical and perceive God's hand in their lives.

they asked one another, 'What is it?'
The Hebrew phrase "מָן הוּא" (man hu) translates to "What is it?" This question reflects the Israelites' confusion and curiosity. The term "manna" is derived from this question, symbolizing the mysterious and miraculous nature of God's provision. Historically, this moment underscores the human tendency to question and seek understanding of God's works, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision even when it is not immediately comprehensible.

For they did not know what it was
This statement highlights the Israelites' lack of understanding and experience with God's miraculous provision. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) often implies intimate knowledge or experience. This lack of knowledge serves as a reminder of the newness of God's ways to the Israelites, who were transitioning from a life of slavery to one of faith and dependence on God. It encourages believers to embrace the unknown with faith, trusting in God's wisdom and timing.

So Moses told them
Moses, as the leader and prophet, acts as the intermediary between God and the people. His role is crucial in guiding the Israelites to understand and accept God's provision. This phrase emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in helping believers interpret and apply God's word in their lives. It also reflects the responsibility of leaders to communicate God's truth clearly and faithfully.

'It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.'
This declaration by Moses is profound in its simplicity and assurance. The "bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem) symbolizes sustenance and life, pointing to God's provision for physical needs. The phrase "the LORD has given" underscores the divine origin of this provision, emphasizing God's grace and generosity. This bread from heaven prefigures the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the "bread of life" (John 6:35). It serves as a reminder that God provides for both physical and spiritual needs, inviting believers to rely on Him for sustenance and life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness.

2. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness.

3. The Wilderness of Sin
The location where the Israelites are encamped and where God provides manna.

4. Manna
The miraculous bread from heaven provided by God to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides for His people and demonstrates His faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Provision
Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, He provides for our needs today. We are called to trust in His provision and faithfulness.

Recognizing God's Gifts
The Israelites initially did not recognize the manna. We must be attentive to the ways God provides for us, often in unexpected forms.

Dependence on God
The daily provision of manna teaches us to rely on God daily, not hoarding for the future but trusting Him for each day's needs.

Spiritual Nourishment
Beyond physical sustenance, God offers spiritual nourishment through His Word and through Christ, the true bread from heaven.

Gratitude and Obedience
The Israelites' experience with manna reminds us to respond to God's provision with gratitude and obedience, following His instructions faithfully.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision of manna in the wilderness demonstrate God's faithfulness to the Israelites, and how can we see His faithfulness in our own lives today?

2. In what ways might we fail to recognize God's provision in our lives, similar to the Israelites' initial reaction to manna?

3. How does the concept of daily dependence on God challenge our modern mindset of self-sufficiency and planning for the future?

4. How can we apply the lesson of spiritual nourishment from God's Word in our daily routines?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 6:31-35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna provided in the wilderness and His provision of eternal life.

Deuteronomy 8:3
This verse emphasizes that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD, highlighting the spiritual sustenance God provides.

Psalm 78:23-25
This passage recounts God's provision of manna, describing it as "the bread of angels," underscoring the miraculous nature of God's provision.