Exodus 16

Read Exodus 16

Helpful Background Information:  

• The Book of Exodus was written by Moses. Although we do not have a precise date as to when he wrote it, it had to have been after the Exodus out of Egypt (1445 B.C.) but before his death on Mount Nebo in the plains of Moab. Hence, faithful biblical scholars place the date of writing anywhere between 1446 and 1406 B.C. 

• The Israelites have recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 1–14) and are now in the wilderness of Sin (The name Sin has no relation to the English word sin), between Elim and Sinai, on their journey to the Promised Land. However, the Israelites started complaining about their hunger; their minds sinfully believed that their brutal slavery in Egypt was better because they had warm food to eat there. Remember, this is right after they experienced the Lord’s miraculous deliverance in the splitting of the Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. 

• However, the Lord responds in sheer grace. Despite their grumbling, the Lord provided an abundance of food (manna and quail) that supplied their needs. God’s direction on how to gather the food would also test their obedience to him. All of this was to remind the Israelites that it was God who brought them out of Egypt, and to remind them of his power and faithfulness.  

Reflection Questions: 

• Compare Mark 6:30-44 with Exodus 16. What similarities do you see? What do these similarities show us about who Jesus is? 

• The manna and quail that God provided in Exodus 16, and the bread and fish Jesus provided in Mark’s gospel, satisfied those who ate of it. What does this show us about our Triune God’s provision for his children? How have you seen this provision in your life, either physically or spiritually? 

• What does God’s response to the Israelites’ complaints reveal about His character? How have you experienced God's grace in light of the fact that you didn’t deserve it?