Exodus 16:19

Then Moses said to them, "No one may keep any of it until morning."

Study Bible

Then Moses said to them
This phrase introduces Moses as the authoritative leader and prophet of Israel, chosen by God to guide His people. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often conveys not just speaking but also commanding or declaring. Moses, as God's mouthpiece, communicates divine instructions, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. Historically, Moses' leadership was pivotal during the Exodus, and his words carried the weight of divine authority, underscoring the necessity of following God's guidance for survival and spiritual growth.

No one
This phrase underscores the universality of the command. It applies to every individual within the Israelite community, highlighting the collective responsibility and unity required in following God's instructions. The Hebrew word "אִישׁ" (ish) can mean "man" or "person," indicating that the directive was inclusive, leaving no room for exceptions. This reflects the communal nature of the Israelites' journey and their shared covenant with God.

may keep
The Hebrew root "שָׁאַר" (sha'ar) means to remain or to leave behind. In this context, it implies retaining or storing something for future use. The prohibition against keeping the manna until morning was a test of faith and reliance on God's daily provision. It taught the Israelites to trust in God's sufficiency and to live in the present, relying on His daily mercies rather than hoarding resources out of fear or distrust.

any of it
This phrase refers specifically to the manna, the miraculous bread from heaven provided by God. The manna was a tangible symbol of God's provision and care for His people. By instructing the Israelites not to keep any of it, God was teaching them about His faithfulness and the importance of dependence on Him. The manna also foreshadows the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ, the "bread of life" (John 6:35).

until morning
The time frame "until morning" signifies a daily cycle of trust and obedience. The Hebrew word "בֹּקֶר" (boqer) means morning or dawn, marking the beginning of a new day. This command required the Israelites to trust God anew each day, reinforcing the lesson that His mercies are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:23). It also served as a practical reminder of God's continuous presence and provision, encouraging the Israelites to live in a rhythm of daily dependence on Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this context, Moses is conveying God's instructions regarding the manna.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now in the wilderness, learning to trust in God's provision.

3. Manna
The miraculous bread from heaven provided by God to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. It symbolizes God's daily provision and care.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land. It is a place of testing and reliance on God.

5. God's Command
The directive given through Moses that the Israelites should not keep manna until the next day, teaching them to trust in God's daily provision.

Teaching Points

Daily Dependence on God
The command not to keep manna overnight teaches us to rely on God daily. Just as the Israelites had to trust God for their daily sustenance, we are called to trust Him for our needs each day.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites were instructed to follow God's command precisely. This teaches us the importance of obedience and the consequences of disregarding God's instructions.

Trust in God's Provision
The lesson of manna is a reminder that God provides for His people. We are encouraged to trust in His provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Avoiding Hoarding and Greed
The prohibition against keeping manna overnight warns against hoarding and greed. It encourages contentment and faith in God's ongoing provision.

Spiritual Nourishment
Just as the Israelites needed physical sustenance, we need spiritual nourishment. Engaging with God's Word daily is essential for our spiritual health.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command not to keep manna until morning challenge our modern-day attitudes towards security and provision?

2. In what ways can we practice daily dependence on God in our lives today?

3. How does the account of manna in Exodus 16 relate to Jesus' teaching on daily bread in the Lord's Prayer?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are obedient to God's instructions in our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's provision to situations of uncertainty or need in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:11
Jesus teaches His disciples to pray for "daily bread," echoing the lesson of daily dependence on God seen in the provision of manna.

John 6:31-35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel to the manna and emphasizing spiritual sustenance.

Deuteronomy 8:3
This verse highlights that man does not live by bread alone but by every word from God, reinforcing the lesson of reliance on God.