What does Exodus chapter 16 mean?

The people begin to cross an area called the "wilderness of Sin." This is named using a Hebrew word spelled the same as the English word "sin," but pronounced like the English word "seen." It is not a reference to immorality. Israel was freed from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41), rescued from attack (Exodus 14:21–29) and provided with ample water (Exodus 15:23–27). Their next challenge involves food (Exodus 16:1).

After experiencing so many miracles, the people of Israel should be ready to trust God in every situation. Yet when food runs low, they don't make a faithful appeal to the Lord. Instead, they make bitter, almost sarcastic criticisms against Moses and Aaron. They go as far as suggesting that death or slavery would be better than freedom and hunger (Exodus 16:2–3).

In His grace, God plans to provide Israel with a "bread" to sustain them. This is to be collected daily, with a double portion on the sixth day. This provision is also a test of the nation's faith and obedience. Moses passes these words along. He notes that the people's shallow, forgetful complaining amounts to a criticism of God more than a critique of Moses. God's glory appears in a cloud and predicts both meat and bread for Israel (Exodus 16:4–12).

That night, a flock of quail—small game birds—arrive, which provides the people with a source of meat. This will not be a regular occurrence. What will occur every morning (Exodus 16:35) is the dew drying up to reveal a strange new food (Deuteronomy 8:3). This will be called "manna" (Exodus 16:31), after the people's initial reaction to it. "Manna" is derived from the Hebrew word for "what?" God not only provides, but He provides exactly. When the manna is measured out, each person has exactly their daily ration (Exodus 16:13–18).

A key lesson of God's supply of manna is the idea of dependence on Him. The people are not to stockpile manna—they must consume it and trust in the Lord to provide again the next day. Despite warnings, some try to hold back manna until the next day. The result is a stinking, putrid mess. So, they prepare to gather manna every morning (Exodus 16:19–21).

It seems the people would gather manna into one large collection and then measure out portions. On the sixth day, there is twice as much manna as the other days. When the people tell Moses, he informs them that on the sixth day, God is providing a double portion. That will allow the Israelites to rest on the seventh day. On that day, the Sabbath, no manna will be provided. Manna kept from the sixth-day harvest will still be good on the seventh day. That day is to be an observance of rest (Exodus 16:22–26).

Once again, some of the people reject Moses' instructions. They break the Sabbath rule about resting and attempt to collect manna which God made it clear He would not send. Fortunately, this results in only a reprimand from the Lord. He clarifies that the Sabbath is for rest, not work. Later Old Testament passages provide more details about the Sabbath day (Exodus 20:8–11; 31:12–17; 35:1–3). Finally, the people obey (Exodus 16:27–30).

The last verses of the chapter give more details about manna's taste and appearance. They also record that Israel kept a jar of manna, one day's worth, under God's command. This was to be kept with other important objects related to the covenant with Israel (Exodus 25:10–22; Numbers 17:10; Hebrews 9:4). Keeping these helps Israel teach the next generation about God's miraculous love. This daily blessing would continue for forty years (Joshua 5:12), until Israel reached Canaan (Exodus 16:31–35).

The chapter concludes with a definition of the daily ration of manna for each person. The volume called an "omer" is only mentioned in this verse of the Bible. Scripture defines it in comparison to the more common "ephah" (Exodus 16:36).