Exodus 16:21

Every morning each one gathered as much as was needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away.

Study Bible

Each morning
The phrase "each morning" emphasizes the regularity and faithfulness of God's provision. In the Hebrew context, the morning is often seen as a time of new beginnings and fresh mercies, as reflected in Lamentations 3:22-23. The Israelites were to gather manna every morning, symbolizing the daily renewal of God's grace and the importance of starting each day with reliance on Him.

everyone gathered as much as he needed
This phrase highlights the sufficiency and equality of God's provision. The Hebrew word for "gathered" (לָקַט, laqat) implies an active participation in receiving God's gifts. It underscores the principle that while God provides, individuals must also take responsibility to gather what is needed. The phrase "as much as he needed" reflects God's intimate knowledge of each person's needs, ensuring that no one had too little or too much, as further explained in Exodus 16:18.

and when the sun grew hot
The mention of the sun growing hot serves as a natural boundary for the gathering of manna. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the sun's heat was a powerful force, often associated with the harshness of the desert environment. This detail underscores the urgency and discipline required in following God's instructions. It also serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly provisions and the importance of timely obedience.

it melted away
The phrase "it melted away" signifies the transient nature of the manna, which dissolved as the day progressed. This can be seen as a metaphor for the temporal nature of earthly sustenance and the need to rely on God's daily provision. The Hebrew root for "melted" (מוּג, mug) conveys a sense of dissolution and disappearance, reminding the Israelites that God's provision is meant for the present moment and should not be hoarded or taken for granted. This teaches a lesson in trust and dependence on God's timing and provision.

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. The Wilderness of Sin
The location where the Israelites are currently encamped, a place of testing and reliance on God's provision.

3. Manna
The miraculous bread from heaven provided by God to sustain the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, through whom God communicates His instructions regarding the gathering of manna.

5. God's Provision
The central event of this passage, highlighting God's daily provision and care for His people.

Teaching Points

Daily Dependence on God
Just as the Israelites gathered manna daily, we are called to rely on God each day for our needs.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites had to follow specific instructions to gather manna, teaching us the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Trust in God's Timing
The manna melted when the sun grew hot, reminding us to trust God's timing and provision without hoarding or worrying about the future.

Spiritual Nourishment
Manna symbolizes the spiritual nourishment we receive from God's Word and through Christ, the bread of life.

Community and Sharing
The gathering of manna was a communal activity, encouraging us to support and share with one another in our faith communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the daily gathering of manna in Exodus 16:21 illustrate our need for daily spiritual nourishment from God's Word?

2. In what ways can we practice obedience to God's instructions in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites gathering manna?

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

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How does this reinforce your trust in His faithfulness?

5. How can the communal aspect of gathering manna inspire us to foster a sense of community and sharing within our church or small group?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 16:4-5
Provides context for the instructions God gave about gathering manna, emphasizing obedience and trust.

Matthew 6:11
Jesus teaches His disciples to pray for daily bread, echoing the daily provision of manna.

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

Philippians 4:19
Paul assures believers that God will supply all their needs, reflecting the provision seen in Exodus 16.