Exodus 16:16

This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.'"

Study Bible

This is what the LORD has commanded
This phrase establishes divine authority and instruction. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is צִוָּה (tsivah), which implies a direct order from God. In the context of the Israelites' journey, it underscores the importance of obedience to God's will. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God provides guidance and expects adherence to His commands.

‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs
The instruction to gather "as much as he needs" emphasizes God's provision and sufficiency. The Hebrew root for "gather" is לָקַט (laqat), which means to collect or glean. This reflects the daily dependence on God for sustenance, teaching the Israelites to trust in His daily provision rather than hoarding resources. It also highlights the principle of contentment and reliance on God's timing and measure.

You may take an omer for each person
An "omer" is a unit of measure, approximately equivalent to 2.3 liters or about 2 quarts. This specific measurement indicates God's precise provision for each individual's needs. The use of a standardized measure ensures fairness and equality among the community, preventing greed and ensuring that everyone receives their due portion. It reflects God's justice and care for His people.

according to the number of people in your tent.’
This phrase personalizes the command, making it applicable to each household. The Hebrew word for "tent" is אֹהֶל (ohel), which signifies a dwelling place. In the nomadic culture of the Israelites, the tent was a central part of family life. This instruction ensures that each family unit is provided for, reinforcing the communal aspect of God's provision and the importance of family responsibility in the faith community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

3. The Wilderness of Sin
The location where the Israelites are currently encamped, a place of testing and provision.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides for His people and gives them instructions for living.

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

Teaching Points

God's Provision
God provides for our needs, not our greeds. The Israelites were to gather only what they needed, teaching us to trust in God's daily provision.

Obedience and Trust
The command to gather an omer per person was a test of obedience. Our faith is often tested in how we follow God's instructions, even when they seem simple or mundane.

Community and Equality
The instruction to gather an omer per person ensured that everyone had enough. This reflects God's desire for equality and care within the community of believers.

Dependence on God
Just as the Israelites depended on God for daily manna, we are called to depend on Him for our daily spiritual and physical sustenance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to gather an omer per person challenge our understanding of God's provision in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of gathering "as much as he needs" to our modern context of consumption and materialism?

3. How does the account of manna in the wilderness connect to Jesus' teaching about being the "bread of life" in John 6?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' experience with manna about trusting God in times of uncertainty?

5. How can the principle of equality seen in the gathering of manna inform our approach to community and resource sharing within the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 16:4-5
Provides context for the command, showing God's intention to test the Israelites' obedience.

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

2 Corinthians 8:15
Paul references the gathering of manna to illustrate the principle of equality and provision in the early church.

Deuteronomy 8:3
Emphasizes that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD, highlighting the spiritual lesson behind the manna.