Exodus 16:20
ESV
But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.
NIV
However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
NASB
But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank; and Moses was angry with them.
CSB
But they didn’t listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. Therefore Moses was angry with them.
NLT
But some of them didn’t listen and kept some of it until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them.
KJV
Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
NKJV
Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.
What does Exodus 16:20 mean?
Moses' anger is only mentioned a few times (Exodus 11:8; 32:19; Leviticus 10:16; Numbers 16:15; 31:14). Most of the time when it rises, it seems to be righteous anger (Ephesians 4:26) rather than inappropriate rage (Numbers 20:10–13). Anger seems reasonable in this case. A recurring theme of the book of Exodus is Israel's persistent disobedience. Despite seeing spectacular miracles, they doubt and despair (Exodus 14:10–11; 16:3; 17:3). They ignore clear, simple instructions such as Moses' command not to keep any collected manna overnight (Exodus 16:14–19, 25).Rather than trusting God to provide more, they act as if they know better. Of course, the people do not know better than the Lord. The manna kept until the next morning becomes incredibly disgusting. It is not merely useless, but offensive and sickening. Only manna collected the day before a Sabbath will stay edible (Exodus 16:22–24).
God intends the people to rely on Him. The need to seek His provision every day (Exodus 16:21) is an object lesson in our dependence on Him.
