Exodus 16:9
ESV
Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’"
NIV
Then Moses told Aaron, "Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’ "
NASB
Then Moses said to Aaron, 'Say to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, ‘Come forward before the Lord, for He has heard your grumblings.’?'
CSB
Then Moses told Aaron, "Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your complaints.’"
NLT
Then Moses said to Aaron, 'Announce this to the entire community of Israel: ‘Present yourselves before the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’'
KJV
And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.
NKJV
Then Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for He has heard your complaints.’ ”
What does Exodus 16:9 mean?
When God appointed Moses to lead Israel out of slavery (Exodus 3:9–10), He assigned Aaron to be the public speaker (Exodus 4:13–16). In step with that arrangement, God gives a command to Moses, who instructs Aaron what he should say to the people. In this case, it is for the people to prepare for an encounter with the Lord. The Hebrew word qirbu literally refers to closeness, but in context it means spiritual intimacy rather than physical location (James 4:8).God has heard the Israelite's complaints (Exodus 16:1–3). What could have been legitimate concerns came as derisive, ungracious attacks (Exodus 16:7–8). After all the Lord had done for them (Exodus 13:21–22; 14:21–28; 15:23–25) they should have had more faith and less angst towards His chosen messengers (Exodus 14:31). Now they will hear God's response to their lack of faith.
