Bible Commentaries
Exodus 16

Introduction

Overview

Exodus 16:1, The Israelites come to Sin, and murmur for want of bread; Exodus 16:4, God promises them bread and flesh from heaven, and they are rebuked; Exodus 16:13, Quails and manna are sent; Exodus 16:16, The ordering of manna; Exodus 16:25, It was not to be found on the sabbath; Exodus 16:32, An omer of it is preserved.

Verse 1

am 2513, bc 1491, An, Ex, Is 1, Ijar

took: Exodus 15:27, Numbers 33:10-12

Sin: This desert was traversed by Dr. Shaw in nine hours. He was all the day diverted by varieties of lizards and vipers, which abound there. Exodus 17:1, Numbers 33:12, Ezekiel 30:15, Ezekiel 30:16

Reciprocal: Exodus 19:1 - came Numbers 13:21 - from the wilderness of Zin Numbers 33:15 - General Deuteronomy 1:31 - in the wilderness Acts 7:36 - and in the wilderness

Verse 2

Exodus 15:24, Genesis 19:4, Psalms 106:7, Psalms 106:13, Psalms 106:25, 1 Corinthians 10:10

Reciprocal: Exodus 13:17 - return Exodus 14:11 - Because Exodus 16:7 - what are we Exodus 16:9 - heard Exodus 17:2 - the people Exodus 32:22 - knowest Numbers 11:1 - And when Numbers 14:2 - murmured Numbers 20:2 - gathered Numbers 20:3 - God Numbers 21:5 - spake Deuteronomy 8:3 - fed thee Deuteronomy 9:7 - from the day Psalms 78:18 - by asking meat Acts 13:18 - about

Verse 3

Would: Numbers 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 28:67, Joshua 7:7, 2 Samuel 18:33, Lamentations 4:9, Acts 26:29, 1 Corinthians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 11:1

we had: Numbers 11:15, Numbers 14:2, Job 3:1, Job 3:10, Job 3:20, Jeremiah 20:14-18, Jonah 4:8, Jonah 4:9

flesh: Exodus 2:23, Numbers 11:4, Numbers 11:5

to kill: Exodus 5:21, Exodus 17:3, Numbers 16:13, Numbers 16:41

hunger: Deuteronomy 8:3, Jeremiah 2:6, Lamentations 4:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 45:23 - good things Exodus 13:17 - return Exodus 14:11 - Because Exodus 16:6 - the Lord Exodus 16:7 - what are we Exodus 17:2 - the people Exodus 18:8 - and all the Exodus 32:1 - the man Numbers 11:18 - ye have wept Numbers 20:4 - that we Numbers 21:5 - spake Deuteronomy 1:27 - The Lord hated us 1 Samuel 8:8 - General 2 Samuel 14:32 - it had been Psalms 78:18 - by asking meat Jeremiah 42:14 - nor hear Jeremiah 44:17 - then Matthew 4:3 - command Acts 7:39 - and in

Verse 4

I will rain: Psalms 78:24, Psalms 78:25, Psalms 105:40, John 6:31, John 6:32, 1 Corinthians 10:3

a certain rate every day: Heb. the portion of a day in his day, Nehemiah 11:23, Proverbs 30:8, Matthew 6:11, Matthew 6:32, Matthew 6:33, Luke 11:3

prove them: Exodus 15:25, Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 8:16, Joshua 24:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 5:22 - General Genesis 22:1 - God Exodus 16:15 - This is Ruth 1:6 - in giving Nehemiah 9:15 - gavest John 6:51 - and the bread 2 Corinthians 2:9 - that

Verse 5

prepare: Exodus 16:23, Exodus 35:2, Exodus 35:3, Leviticus 25:21, Leviticus 25:22

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:16 - no manner Exodus 16:22 - General

Verse 6

even: Exodus 16:8, Exodus 16:12, Exodus 16:13

the Lord: Exodus 16:3, Exodus 6:7, Exodus 12:51, Exodus 32:1, Exodus 32:7, Exodus 32:11, Numbers 16:28, Numbers 16:30, Psalms 77:20, Isaiah 63:11, Isaiah 63:12

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 6:33 - this evil is of the Lord

Verse 7

the morning: Exodus 16:13

ye shall: Exodus 16:10, Exodus 24:10, Exodus 24:16, Exodus 40:34, Leviticus 9:6, Numbers 14:10, Numbers 16:42, Isaiah 35:2, Isaiah 40:5, John 11:4, John 11:40

what are we: Exodus 16:2, Exodus 16:3, Exodus 16:8, Numbers 16:11

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:12 - in the morning Numbers 11:1 - And when Numbers 16:19 - and the glory Numbers 20:2 - gathered Numbers 21:5 - spake Psalms 2:2 - Lord Isaiah 57:4 - Against Ezekiel 1:28 - This Mark 14:5 - And they Luke 2:9 - and the Luke 10:16 - despiseth you Acts 22:8 - whom Philippians 2:14 - without

Verse 8

the Lord heareth: Exodus 16:9, Exodus 16:12, Numbers 14:27, Matthew 9:4, John 6:41-43, 1 Corinthians 10:10

but against: Numbers 21:7, 1 Samuel 8:7, Isaiah 32:6, Isaiah 37:29, Matthew 10:40, Luke 10:16, John 13:20, Romans 13:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:8

Reciprocal: Exodus 15:24 - General Exodus 16:6 - even Exodus 16:7 - what are we Leviticus 26:5 - eat your Numbers 11:20 - whole month Numbers 16:11 - what is Aaron Numbers 21:5 - spake Deuteronomy 1:27 - The Lord hated us Psalms 78:19 - Yea Psalms 78:25 - he sent Isaiah 57:4 - Against Isaiah 63:10 - they rebelled Jeremiah 2:2 - thine espousals Matthew 4:4 - but Matthew 14:20 - were Mark 14:5 - And they John 6:32 - Moses Acts 5:4 - thou hast Acts 22:8 - whom Acts 26:15 - I am 1 Corinthians 8:12 - ye sin against Philippians 2:14 - without

Verse 9

Come near: Numbers 16:16

heard: Exodus 16:2, Exodus 16:8

Reciprocal: Exodus 15:24 - General Numbers 11:1 - And when Luke 12:20 - God

Verse 10

that they: Exodus 16:7, Numbers 14:10, Numbers 16:19, Numbers 16:42

appeared: Exodus 13:21, Exodus 13:22, Exodus 40:34-38, Leviticus 9:6, Numbers 16:42, 1 Kings 8:10, 1 Kings 8:11, Matthew 17:5

Reciprocal: Exodus 17:6 - I will Exodus 24:16 - the glory Leviticus 9:4 - to day Numbers 20:6 - the glory 1 Kings 8:9 - when Ezekiel 1:28 - This Luke 2:9 - and the Luke 12:20 - God Revelation 10:1 - clothed

Verse 12

I have: Exodus 16:8

At even: Exodus 16:6

in the morning: Exodus 16:7

ye shall know: Exodus 4:5, Exodus 6:7, Exodus 7:17, Jeremiah 31:24, Ezekiel 34:30, Ezekiel 39:22, Joel 3:17, Zechariah 13:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:6 - in the evening Numbers 14:27 - I have heard Numbers 20:2 - gathered Deuteronomy 8:3 - fed thee Deuteronomy 29:6 - eaten bread 1 Kings 20:13 - and thou shalt 2 Kings 7:1 - To morrow Psalms 78:27 - He rained Psalms 105:40 - asked Ezekiel 20:7 - I am Ezekiel 35:13 - I have Matthew 14:20 - were

Verse 13

the quails: The Hebrew selav, Chaldee selaiv, Syriac and Arabic selwa, is without doubt the quail, so the LXX render it ןספץדןלחפסב, a large kind of quail. Josephus, ןספץמ, Ethopic, ferferat, and Vulgate, coturnices, quails, with which agree Philo and the Rabbins. The quail is a bird of the gallinaceous kind, somewhat less than a pigeon, but larger than a sparrow. Hasselquist describes the quail of the larger kind as very much resembling the red partridge, but not larger than the turtle dove; found in Judea as well as in the deserts of Arabia Petrזa and Egypt; and affording a most agreeable and delicate dish. Numbers 11:31-33, Psalms 78:27, Psalms 78:28, Psalms 105:40

the dew: Numbers 11:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:6 - even Exodus 16:7 - the morning Numbers 11:19 - General Numbers 11:20 - whole month

Verse 14

the dew: Numbers 11:7-9, Deuteronomy 8:3, Nehemiah 9:15, Psalms 78:24, Psalms 105:40

the hoar frost: Psalms 147:16

Reciprocal: Leviticus 8:11 - General Numbers 11:9 - General

Verse 15

It is manna: or, What is this, or, It is a portion, Exodus 16:31, Exodus 16:33, Deuteronomy 8:3, Deuteronomy 8:16, Joshua 5:12, Nehemiah 9:15, Nehemiah 9:20, John 6:31, John 6:32, John 6:49, John 6:58, 1 Corinthians 10:3, Hebrews 9:4, Revelation 2:17

This is: Exodus 16:4, Numbers 21:5, Proverbs 9:5, Luke 12:30

Reciprocal: Exodus 34:29 - wist Numbers 11:7 - the manna Proverbs 30:8 - feed Matthew 4:4 - but Luke 11:3 - Give

Verse 16

omer: Exodus 16:18, Exodus 16:33, Exodus 16:36

for every man: Heb. by the poll, or head

persons: Heb. souls.

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:22 - General Numbers 11:8 - the people Matthew 6:11 - General

Verse 18

2 Corinthians 8:14, 2 Corinthians 8:15

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:16 - omer Leviticus 5:11 - the tenth part Leviticus 7:10 - one as much Numbers 35:8 - from them Joshua 19:9 - too much Proverbs 30:8 - feed Matthew 6:34 - no

Verse 19

Exodus 12:10, Exodus 23:18, Matthew 6:34

Reciprocal: Exodus 29:34 - burn Leviticus 8:11 - General Leviticus 22:30 - General

Verse 20

bred worms: Matthew 6:19, Luke 12:15, Luke 12:33, Hebrews 13:5, James 5:2, James 5:3

and Moses: Numbers 12:3, Numbers 16:15, Mark 3:5, Mark 10:14, Ephesians 4:26

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:22 - General Exodus 16:24 - General Exodus 32:22 - knowest Leviticus 22:30 - General

Verse 21

Proverbs 6:6-11, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Matthew 6:33, John 12:35, 2 Corinthians 6:2

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:22 - General Proverbs 30:8 - feed

Verse 22

What the substance called manna was, is utterly unknown, but, from the circumstances in the text, it is evident that it was not a natural production, but was miraculously sent by Jehovah. These the learned Abarbinel, a most judicious Jewish interpreter, has thus enumerated: - The natural manna was never found in the desert where this fell where the common manna does fall; - It is only in the spring time, in March and April, whereas this fell throughout all the months in the year; - The ordinary manna does not melt in the sun, as this did - Exodus 16:21

- It does not stink and breed worms, as this did, when kept till the morning - Exodus 16:20

- It cannot be ground or beaten in a mortar, so as to make cakes, as this was; - The common manna is medicinal and purgative, and cannot be used for food and nutriment, as this was; - This fell in a double proportion on the sixth day, and not on the sabbath, as it certainly would have done had it fallen naturally; - It followed them in all their journeys, where ever they pitched their tents; and - It ceased at the very time of the year when the other falls, namely, in March, when the Israelites were come to Gilgal.

Whatever this substance was, it does not appear to have been common to the wilderness. From Deuteronomy 8:3, Deuteronomy 8:16, it is evident that the Israelites never saw it before; and from a pot of it being preserved, it is certain that nothing of the kind ever appeared again. Exodus 16:5, Exodus 16:16, Leviticus 25:12, Leviticus 25:22

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:3 - blessed Psalms 78:24 - the corn of heaven Proverbs 30:8 - feed

Verse 23

rest: Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 31:15, Exodus 35:3, Genesis 2:2, Genesis 2:3, Leviticus 23:3, Mark 2:27, Mark 2:28, Luke 23:56, Revelation 1:10

bake: Numbers 11:8

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:16 - no manner Exodus 16:5 - prepare Exodus 16:25 - General Numbers 15:32 - they found a man Jeremiah 17:22 - neither do

Verse 24

Exodus 16:20, Exodus 16:33

Reciprocal: Job 12:21 - poureth

Verse 25

Exodus 16:23, Exodus 16:29, Nehemiah 9:14

Reciprocal: Romans 14:6 - regardeth it

Verse 26

Exodus 20:9-11, Deuteronomy 5:13, Ezekiel 46:1, Luke 13:14

Reciprocal: Exodus 31:15 - Six days

Verse 27

and they found none: Proverbs 20:4

Reciprocal: Exodus 20:10 - thou shalt Numbers 15:32 - they found a man Ezekiel 20:13 - and my

Verse 28

Exodus 10:3, Numbers 14:11, Numbers 20:12, 2 Kings 17:14, Psalms 78:10, Psalms 78:22, Psalms 81:13, Psalms 81:14, Psalms 106:13, Isaiah 7:9, Isaiah 7:13, Jeremiah 4:14, Jeremiah 9:6, Ezekiel 5:6, Ezekiel 20:13, Ezekiel 20:16, Mark 9:19

Reciprocal: Exodus 20:10 - thou shalt Exodus 32:22 - knowest Numbers 14:27 - How long Numbers 15:32 - they found a man Psalms 62:3 - How Proverbs 1:22 - How Jeremiah 38:21 - if thou Matthew 17:17 - how long shall I be Luke 9:41 - how

Verse 29

hath given: Exodus 31:13, Nehemiah 9:14, Isaiah 58:13, Isaiah 58:14, Ezekiel 20:12

abide ye: Luke 23:56

Reciprocal: Exodus 7:1 - See Exodus 12:16 - no manner Exodus 16:25 - General Exodus 18:23 - and all this Leviticus 19:3 - keep Leviticus 23:3 - General Leviticus 25:21 - I will Deuteronomy 5:14 - the sabbath Proverbs 30:8 - feed Matthew 24:20 - neither Hebrews 12:25 - See

Verse 30

Leviticus 23:3, Deuteronomy 5:12-14, Hebrews 4:9

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 5:14 - the sabbath

Verse 31

called the name: Exodus 16:15, In consequence of the term manna having been given to a drug which is now much used in England, many persons have ignorantly supposed it to be the same sort of thing as that miraculously sent for the sustenance of the children of Israel in the wilderness. The manna of commerce comes from Calabria and Sicily, where it oozes out of a kind of ash tree, from the end of June to the end of July, and is a thick, clammy, sweet juice, partly drawn from the tree by the rays of the sun, partly by the puncture of insects, and partly by artificial means. The European manna is not so good as the Oriental, which is gathered in Syria, Arabia, and Persia, from the Oriental oak, and from a shrub which is called in Persia teranjabin.

and it was: Numbers 11:6, Numbers 11:7, Song of Solomon 2:3

Reciprocal: Leviticus 2:4 - wafers Numbers 11:8 - taste of it Numbers 21:5 - and our soul

Verse 32

Psalms 103:1, Psalms 103:2, Psalms 105:5, Psalms 111:4, Psalms 111:5, Luke 22:19, Hebrews 2:1

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:36 - General Numbers 17:10 - for a token

Verse 33

Hebrews 9:4

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:15 - It is manna Exodus 16:16 - omer Exodus 16:24 - General Exodus 16:36 - General 1 Samuel 17:54 - took the head 1 Kings 8:9 - in the ark

Verse 34

Exodus 25:16, Exodus 25:21, Exodus 27:21, Exodus 30:6, Exodus 30:36, Exodus 31:18, Exodus 38:21, Exodus 40:20, Numbers 1:50, Numbers 1:53, Numbers 17:10, Deuteronomy 10:5, 1 Kings 8:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 32:15 - the testimony Psalms 122:4 - the testimony Hebrews 9:4 - was

Verse 35

forty years: Numbers 33:38, Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 8:3, Nehemiah 9:15, Nehemiah 9:20, Nehemiah 9:21, Psalms 78:24, Psalms 78:25, John 6:30-58

until they came to: Joshua 5:12

the borders: Numbers 33:48-50, Deuteronomy 1:8, Deuteronomy 34:1-4

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:10 - earth opened Deuteronomy 29:6 - eaten bread 1 Kings 17:6 - the ravens Proverbs 30:8 - feed Matthew 4:4 - but John 6:31 - fathers Acts 13:18 - about 1 Corinthians 10:3 - General

Verse 36

Exodus 16:16, Exodus 16:32, Exodus 16:33

Reciprocal: Exodus 29:40 - a tenth Leviticus 5:11 - the tenth part Leviticus 6:20 - the tenth Numbers 11:32 - homers Numbers 28:5 - General Ruth 2:17 - ephah