Exodus 16:15

When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

Study Bible

When the Israelites saw it
The Israelites had just left Egypt and were in the wilderness, a place of testing and reliance on God. This moment occurs shortly after their deliverance from slavery, highlighting their dependence on God for sustenance. The wilderness setting underscores the miraculous nature of God's provision.

they asked one another, “What is it?”
The Hebrew word for "What is it?" is "manna," which became the name for this miraculous food. This question reflects their unfamiliarity with God's provision, symbolizing a lack of understanding of His ways. It also indicates their initial doubt and confusion, a recurring theme in their wilderness journey.

For they did not know what it was.
This lack of recognition points to the newness of God's provision and the Israelites' need to trust in His guidance. It also foreshadows their ongoing struggle with faith and obedience. The manna was unlike anything they had experienced, emphasizing God's ability to provide in unexpected ways.

So Moses told them,
Moses, as the leader and mediator between God and the people, plays a crucial role in communicating God's instructions. His leadership is essential in guiding the Israelites to understand and accept God's provision. This moment reinforces Moses' position as a prophet and teacher.

“It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.”
This statement identifies the manna as a divine gift, emphasizing God's grace and provision. The bread from heaven is a type of Christ, who later identifies Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:32-35). This connection highlights the continuity of God's salvation plan and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. The manna symbolizes God's sustenance and care, pointing to the spiritual nourishment found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness.

2. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness.

3. The Wilderness of Sin
The location where the Israelites are encamped and where God provides manna.

4. Manna
The miraculous bread from heaven provided by God to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides for His people and demonstrates His faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Provision
Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, He provides for our needs today. We are called to trust in His provision and faithfulness.

Recognizing God's Gifts
The Israelites initially did not recognize the manna. We must be attentive to the ways God provides for us, often in unexpected forms.

Dependence on God
The daily provision of manna teaches us to rely on God daily, not hoarding for the future but trusting Him for each day's needs.

Spiritual Nourishment
Beyond physical sustenance, God offers spiritual nourishment through His Word and through Christ, the true bread from heaven.

Gratitude and Obedience
The Israelites' experience with manna reminds us to respond to God's provision with gratitude and obedience, following His instructions faithfully.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision of manna in the wilderness demonstrate God's faithfulness to the Israelites, and how can we see His faithfulness in our own lives today?

2. In what ways might we fail to recognize God's provision in our lives, similar to the Israelites' initial reaction to manna?

3. How does the concept of daily dependence on God challenge our modern mindset of self-sufficiency and planning for the future?

4. How can we apply the lesson of spiritual nourishment from God's Word in our daily routines?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 6:31-35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna provided in the wilderness and His provision of eternal life.

Deuteronomy 8:3
This verse emphasizes that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD, highlighting the spiritual sustenance God provides.

Psalm 78:23-25
This passage recounts God's provision of manna, describing it as "the bread of angels," underscoring the miraculous nature of God's provision.