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Exodus

Exodus 16 -18

Manna & Quail
Water from the Rock
Jethro Visits Moses

Exodus 16:1-3

The Israelites were just 30 days into their journey and again they are grumbling because they are hungry.  Their grumbling was focused on Moses and Aaron.  They quickly forgot the song they sang after seeing the parting of the sea and the Lord fighting their battle and providing for them.  They quickly became convinced the Lord allowed Moses to bring them to the desert to abandon them and see them die of starvation.  Now, they were accusing Moses of bringing them out to the desert to starve them.  As they got hungry, the previous days in Egypt started looking good again.  Their memories of hard labor and bondage were skewed.  They remember sitting around eating all they wanted of fine meals.  Were they ready to forsake their freedom from bondage for a meal?  For their stomach?

 

Exodus 16:4-5

The Lord did not seem to be angered by their grumbling.  He met their need with bread from heaven.  Withing this blessing was a test though.  Would they listen?  Would they be obedient to the Lord after their stomachs stop growling?  Each day they were to gather enough bread for that day.  This was an act of faith, belief that he would provide for tomorrow.  Greed would cause some to gather more, to hoard.  On the sixth day, they could gather twice as a much, prepare it as their provision for the Sabbath day also. 

 

Exodus 16:6-10

Moses & Aaron were nothing but servants of the Lord.  They had no plans, no will or desire other than that of the Lord.  We could learn from the that as the Israelites could.  In the morning, they would see the glory of the Lord when He brought them bread from heaven.  In the evening, they would know it was the Lord that brought them out when He brought them quail to eat. 

Moses had the Aaron summon the people so they may come before the Lord with their grumbling.  Across the desert they saw the glory of the Lord appear in the cloud. 

 

Exodus 16:11-12

How many times have we grumbled only later to hope that somehow the Lord didn't hear it?  The Lord is forgiving of the grumbling; it's the continuous grumbling that brings forth is anger.  The Lord offered meat at twilight and bread in the morning.  From this, they would know He is God, the 'I Am' and Almighty.  They would know He not only was able to save them from the Egyptian army but also save them from hunger and thirst.  They would know they could trust Him.

 

 Exodus 16:13-16

They say the quail are migratory, and in that area would fly very low to the ground due to the long distances they flew.  It wasn't unusual for someone to catch quail in a net.  This may be how the Lord provided for them, since migration would only last a short time.  The Lord provided supernaturally for them, although it may have looked very normal. 

They thought dew fell from the heavens and therefore assumed the manna also fell from heaven.  In the first temple literature called 'Wisdom of Solomon' manna is referred to as 'angel's food'.  They saw the thin flakes on the ground and said, "What is it?"  The Hebrew for that is 'man huw' (manna).   The name of it is 'what is it?'

This 'what is it' was the bread the Lord had given them.  It was His provision for their life.  They were to gather for their need.  We should note it was for their need, not want.  They were to take an omer for each person.  An omer is probably likened to a daily provision, it later became a measurable at about a gallon.

 

Exodus 16:17-20

They did as commanded.  Each gathered as they needed.  Those who gathered much for their need didn't have too much.  Those who gathered little, didn't have too little.  This just seems to indicate God's supernatural care for His people. 

They were not to keep any of it for morning.  They were to trust the Lord for their daily bread.  Keeping, or hoarding any beyond their daily need amounted to a lack of trust.  But some paid no attention.  Imagine that!  This wasn't one or two, or even a small group.  It was 'some' of them.  They probably figured everyone else was doing it so they didn't want to miss out.  "What would it hurt?"  "Who will know?"  "Just a little won't hurt."  There were probably many other justifications; we are quite adept at justifying our sin and disobedience.  They were able to see what their disobedience led to.  The bread from heaven was only a blessing when received in obedience.  In disobedience, it became a curse. 

 

Exodus 16:20-36

Each morning they gathered as needed.  Then, in obedience, they gathered twice as much in preparation for the Sabbath.  It is interesting this was reported to Moses by the community leaders.  Were they reporting what they thought was disobedience?  Or, were they reporting obedience and they were making sure that was still right with Moses?  He confirmed their actions were correct and this was proved out when it did not spoil on this night.  The bread was still possessed in obedience so it remained a blessing. 

 

Exodus 16:27-30

Some of the people went out anyway on the Sabbath to gather manna.  You have to wonder if this is the same people who tried to keep it an extra day.  The Lord asked them about their refusing to listen and obey, yet did not punish them.  They still have not received the law from God. 

While the seventh day is called 'The Lord's Sabbath' it is again confirmed here that it was given to them.  God didn't need the rest; He created a pattern for them to live by.  They needed rest.  It was a day to cease striving, working and gathering food. 

 

Exodus 16:31-36

The bread was named by the question it brought to mind, "What is it?"  The Hebrew word is manna.  Coriander seed comes from a plant we might know as cilantro.  The seeds are small and white.  It tasted like a honey wafers – this sounds like a graham cracker.  (White graham crackers?)    God commanded that an omer be gathered and stored for the generations to come.  It would store just fine because it would be done in obedience to the Lord.

This jar was to placed before the Lord.  Yet, at this time there was no tabernacle or temple.  Verse 34 looks forward to a future time when the tabernacle has been built.  Aaron would put this jar in the Ark of the Covenant along with the tablets of the law.  The provision of bread was given to them for 40 years in the wilderness wandering.  They ate it until they entered the promised land.

 

Exodus 17:1-4

The trip continued as the entire community went from place to place as the Lord directed them.  This appears as training to follow the Lord and trust the Lord and walk where He commands.  They came to Rephidim where there was no water.  This is the last stop before they arrive at Mt. Sinai.  The location of Rephidim is unknown as is the exact location of Mt Sinai. 

The assembly contended with Moses, bringing a charge and accusation against him because he brought to this place where there was no water.  The first verse said they went where the Lord commanded.  Apparently if they didn't like the place, they blamed Moses.  Moses pointed out that they were putting the Lord to the test. 

 

They grumbled and once again fell into the belief that they were led out into the desert by God to be abandoned and forgotten, to die horrible deaths by dehydration.  Remember, these are people who can see the pillar of fire at night and the cloud by day.  They have been provided manna and quail to eat.  God brought them out of bondage and saved them through the parting of the Red Sea.  Yet, there they stood, playing the role of a victim, seemingly at the mercy of cruel people. 

They were apparently angry enough in this contention with Moses to consider stoning him.  Moses points this out to God and asks the Lord what he is to do.

 

Exodus 17:5-7

God is patient (less so after the law is given to them).  He instructs Moses to be visible to the people.  God would once again show his power, authority and trustworthiness to them.  He was to strike the rock at Horeb and water would flow forth. 

Massah means 'testing', Meribah means 'quarrelling'.  They wanted to know if the Lord was among them or not.  They assumed if the Lord was among them, they would not suffer at all.  

 

Exodus 17:8-9

This encounter with the Amalekites is the first opposition to the Israelites in their trip to the Promised Land.  This is no surprise to God, in fact we have to look at this as ordained or allowed by God.  So it is for their good and His glory.  Is it to strengthen them and grow them in preparation for the battles in their land?  Is it to teach them trust? 

This is the first mention of Joshua who would become the commander for Moses.  He was to choose 'some' men, not take all the men or the entire assembly to war.  Some would be called to fight in this way.  Moses had seen the Lord work through the use of his staff previously.  He plans on going to stand on the hill and raise the staff to see what the Lord would do.  There seems to be no indication the Lord directed this. 

 

Exodus 17:10-13

Aaron and Hur jointed Moses at the top of the hill as the battle began.  Hur may be the grandfather of Bezalel, the craftsman who will build tabernacle.  There is also a legend he was the husband on Miriam, Moses sister.  Regardless, we know he was a prominent leader among the Jews. 

By now the staff of Moses had become representative to a move of God or the power of God.  When Moses held it up, it may have inspired the warriors as they knew God was fighting their battle.  There's no indication God called for this to be done.  It is fascinating when you look at it and talk through it you see Moses supported by the rock, which could be a picture of Christ.  Also, leadership among God's people requires others to step forward in support.  We see these men support Moses in a very practical way.  The elevation of the staff probably had nothing to do with status of the battle other than the confidence it gave the warriors.  They believed they were empowered by God, and so they were.   

 

Exodus 17:14-16

Moses was to write the account of what happened that day, as well as the promised outcome.  It was as good as done.  The Amalekites would be blotted out.  Moses then built an altar.  It doesn't say he sacrificed on it.  It seemed to be more of a marker where God moved, a place of remembrance.  These altars may have been those markers of memory, to bolster faith and teach, a place to come back to and remember God is faithful, strong and present in their lives.  Moses called the alter Jehovah-Nissi; the Lord is my banner.  The banner would be an flag, or identifier around which everyone would be called to and gather around. 

The word 'throne' in verse 16 is probably supposed to be 'banner' as there is one letter difference.  It makes more sense that Moses was testifying that hands were lifted up against the banner of God and the Lord identified the Amalikites as enemy from generation to generation.

 

Exodus 18:1-8

The nearness of Jethro, priest of Midian suggests a location near the mount of God much further north.   Midian is just east of the gulf of Aqaba.  Jethro heard of all God had done.  God's reputation is spreading across the earth.  It appears that after the events of 4:24-26 that Zipporah took Gershom back to Jethro as Moses went on to Egypt.  It may be that Gershom was not fit to travel after circumcision.  Eliezer, meaning 'God is my help' is named as Moses second son.  This is the first time he shows up. 

Jethro brought Moses wife and kids to the camp and Moses is reunited with his family.  He met with his father-in-law and gave him the details of the events in Egypt.  He gives testimony to the great things the Lord had done and how He overcame their hardships. 

 

Exodus 18:9-12

Jethro was a Midianite, not an Israelite.  Yet, it seems He takes Yahweh as his God based on the testimony of Moses.  The word 'delightful' is a rare word, seen only in 2 other places.  The evidence of his delight is seen in the response of praise he brought to the Lord.  It was praise for the rescue of Israel from Egypt.  Jethro seems to be a confirmation of what the Lord had previously said in Exodus 13:14–16 and what Moses sang of in Exodus 15:14.  The Lord would become known to the nations for the wonderful work He had done.  Jethro acknowledge the Lord is above all other gods and then brought a burnt offering among other things.  Israel was saved out of Egypt and it brings Jethro to praise as though it were him who was saved.  The language of verse 12 means all the food and sacrifice were for the Lord and the meal professed fellowship with the Lord and each other. 

 

Exodus 18:13-27

I can imagine Moses taking a seat and there being a line 2 miles long as a few million people bring their disputes to Moses.  This would be an overwhelming and frustrating load.  Jethro sees this heavy burden and offers a solution.  Rather than Moses instructing Israel on God's decrees and instructions a few at a time, he called on him to find leaders to train.  Moses would retain His role as representing the people before God.  However, He would train other leaders to act as judges.  He creates a judicial system within the hierarchy of leadership.  The mean would hear cases and judge them, the difficult cases would be brought to Moses.  This distributed the load.  Jethro taught Moses:

  1. Listen to wise counsel – the Lord uses others to speak into our life.
  2. One person as the sole leader with no accountability or support is fraught with danger and potential error.
  3. There are limits to what one person can do.  Not only was it a heavy burden for Moses it was bad for the people.  Imagine the frustration and impatience alone.
  4. Get the right people.  They had to be God-fearing if they were going to judge according to His decrees.  They had to be honest and not willing to take a bribe. 
  5. Do what you are called to.  What can be done by others might be better done by others and ought to be done by others.

Moses received this counsel and enacted it.  He then had other leaders to serve.  This strengthened the engagement of the people as some of their own clan were now judges.  It empowered the leaders as they served the Lord.  More people would now be taught God's decrees and instructions. 

"It is better to set a hundred men to work than to do the work of a hundred men."

 (D.L. Moody)

It should be noted these weren't priests because there were none yet.  These leaders were respected men of the tribes.  Later, when the Lord sets up the priesthood, some of this seems to fall to the priests (Deut 17:9; 19:17)

©2021 Doug Ford