Exodus 16:9 - Printer Friendly

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.’ ”

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.

Exodus 16:1–12 describes how Israel left the oasis at Elim and began complaining to Moses about food. Moses takes these grievances to the Lord, who explains His response. God will provide meat and bread despite the people unfairly criticizing Moses and Aaron. This provision will remind Israel of God's position as their Lord.

As the recently-rescued Israelites (Exodus 14:21–31) journey on, they complain about food. God provides them with manna: a grain-like substance which miraculously appears each morning. The people are given instructions about how to gather and use manna. Only on the sixth day of the week can they collect more and keep leftovers for the following day. That seventh day is to be a time of rest, called a "sabbath."

Israel has celebrated (Exodus 15:1) their miraculous escape through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–28). They have survived their first hardship (Exodus 15:23–25). God now provides manna in response to their complaints about food. He also begins to establish the concept of the seventh-day Sabbath. Soon, the Lord will send another miracle regarding water (Exodus 17:1–7) and the people will have their first military battle (Exodus 17:8–16). Shortly after this, Moses' father-in-law will arrive and offer some helpful advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/4/2025 5:33:36 AM