EXODUS
CHAPTER
16
In the beginning of this chapter of the book of Exodus, I would like to thank God for adding another follower of this blog who has accepted in helping me write chapters from the Bible on having prayed and meditated on the mentioned chapter. The current team members are: Devain Ajit Pawar, Mary Geveetha who has contributed this chapter and least of all myself Vince Micallef, who edits and publishes chapters when and where necessary. I would like to invite anybody who is interested in joining the team to send me an e-mail on the following e-mail address: needforspeedvkm@gmail.com
1. The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim: and Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt.
(Exodus chapter 16 verse 1)
On having left Egypt the people of God were directed by means of God and the leadership of Moses to head in the direction of Mount Sinai where they were to give worship to God. As Christians we are also on a destination that leads us in the direction of God. As in the case of the chosen people of God, it takes time to arrive to the point of destination as also the case of our spiritual pilgrimage on earth.
In order to view the way from Elim to the wilderness of Sin our source Mr Stephen Rudd has kindly given me the permission to share the following images that portray the route taken by the chosen people of God leading from Elim to the Wilderness of Sin.
(Image donated by Mr Stephen Rudd)
2.The whole congregation of the children of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots and ate our fill of bread : for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 2 to 3)
During critical moments of our life, we start comparing the present with the past. On doing so we may start feeling sorry for the decisions that we made. Our first reaction may be to start missing our previous lifestyle that may have not been based on God, to the new form of lifestyle based on the Word of God, which in light of social trends is very challenging to our cultures and values. The temptation of turning back to our old ways in the initial stages of our pilgrimage following God is very common therefore it is very wise to have a spiritual director to support us during this critical period. We are like toddlers making our first steps. Until we master the skill of walking we fall and even get bruised. However our loving Father is always there to help us feel confident and spiritually empowered to get up and try again and again.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 2 to 3)
During critical moments of our life, we start comparing the present with the past. On doing so we may start feeling sorry for the decisions that we made. Our first reaction may be to start missing our previous lifestyle that may have not been based on God, to the new form of lifestyle based on the Word of God, which in light of social trends is very challenging to our cultures and values. The temptation of turning back to our old ways in the initial stages of our pilgrimage following God is very common therefore it is very wise to have a spiritual director to support us during this critical period. We are like toddlers making our first steps. Until we master the skill of walking we fall and even get bruised. However our loving Father is always there to help us feel confident and spiritually empowered to get up and try again and again.
4. Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instructions in or not.
(Exodus chapter 16 verse 4)
In order to safeguard the spiritual welfare of the chosen people of God who were still toddlers in their spiritual relationship with God, God provided them with enough food for each day. God seemed to have wanted to test if their hunger was for Him or for what they could get from Him. He also seemed to have wanted to test their greed or avarice, which is one great sin in God's eyes.
5. On the sixth day, when they shall prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days."
(Exodus chapter 16 verse 5)
As mentioned in the book of Genesis at the time of creation God worked for six days but on the seventh He rested. God is giving the same rule to His children and to us to observe. We are therefore not to find reasons to justify our created need to work on a Sunday because this is a special day for all Christians.
6. So Moses and Aaron said to all Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt. 7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?”
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 6 to 7)
One thing that God hates is when we complain against Him. Some people have a strong tendency to complain, however I think it is in human nature to fall into such a bad habit. We need to always stay on guard over ourselves, because if not the habit becomes chronic and our lives become dull and senseless and this is unhealthy for our spiritual, social and psychological well being. Instead of complaining and grumbling it is best to focus on the positive of the situation even though this may be at a minimum. Another thing to keep in mind is that God permits all to happen for our own good, even if this means that we are to experience periods of tribulation and trials.
8. And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and your fill of bread in the morning because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him-what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”
(Exodus chapter 16 verse 8)
Some of us may find oneself in conflict with some of the Church's teachings. Moreover as has been the case some have even left the Roman Catholic Church in order to join other churches or communities. The route of the problem may have been fuelled by grumbling that led to disassociation. The evil one thrives on such negative moments that give rise to divisions in the Church.
Nevertheless when we find ourselves grumbling against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in particular, we are to be careful not to bring upon ourselves the wrath of God, because indirectly or maybe even directly we will be complaining about the judgement of the Holy Spirit of God who leads the Church throughout our earthly pilgrimage on earth. Therefore complaining against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church means complaining against God, which is a very serious offence.
9. Then Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.’” 10. And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 9 to 10)
Although the chosen people of God grumbled against Him, God did not want them to go away from His presence. On the contrary God asks us to come close to Him. If there is somebody who creates distance from God it is us and not Him. Therefore even if at the time in question we may feel drifting away from God, we are to feel motivated to seek God's consolation, comfort and support. However this can only be done if we draw close to Him.
11.The LORD spoke to Moses and said saying, 12 “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread;. then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’”
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 11 to 12)
On reflecting it can be said that it is nice to know that God always has one ear open to hear our prayers and that none of our prayers go to waste, however on the other hand it is of a great concern to be aware that God has another ear open for our complaints. Therefore now is the best time for us to turn on to God and humbly ask Him for forgiveness for those moments when we complained against Him or His Church. Moreover it would be also wise to seek God in the sacrament of reconciliation and confess our sins of complaining against God and His Church.
13. In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14. When the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15.When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 13 to 15)
In the New Testament Jesus is the bread that has been sent to us from heaven.. Since an early moment in God's relationship with His chosen people, God had given them an example of what God had planned for them and us, later on in their life when He would send His only Son in order to quench their hunger and thirst by the offering of His blood and body.
God is proactive in His relationship with us. He gives us spoon full's of experiences that at that time in question, we may not grasp the full understanding of the significance of certain events, however, in the long run God gives us the means of clarification so that we have a better understanding of what He is trying to tell us.
16. This is what LORD has commanded; 'Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person, according to the number of persons; all providing for those in their own tents.’”17.The Israelites did so, some gathered more, some more, some less. 18. But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 16 to 18)
On reflecting on verses 16 to 18, it can be inferred that our God is in favour of justice and order. Although human nature has a strong inclination to be greedy and avaricious God sets the balance between the have alots and the have nots or not as much. Although those that we term rich have more than enough of the worlds resources, God provides to those who have not as much enough for their daily life. God corrects the balance, even if on first sight we perceive a world imbalance consisting of poverty and injustice. In the New Testament Jesus told us that He even provides food for the birds of the air who do not work full time, part time to earn a living. God helps us to provide us with our daily needs and thus a healthy balance is achieved between the material and spiritual life.
19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.”20. But they did not listen to Moses;. some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them.21. Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each, needed but when the sun grew hot, it melted.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 19 to 21)
The forces of human nature in us are very strong. If left to our own devices or complete free will we abuse of that freedom and go our ways. This is why God by means of Moses was strict with His chosen people. To obey another let alone God does not come natural in us. It seems that due to sin we acquire a negative spirit of disobedience that urges us to go against the will of God. Therefore one of our greatest aims in life that we are to pray God to help us resolve is the submission of this negative spirit of disobedience in us so that we can be obedient both to God and even to our fellow persons, when and were positively required of us.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 16 to 18)
On reflecting on verses 16 to 18, it can be inferred that our God is in favour of justice and order. Although human nature has a strong inclination to be greedy and avaricious God sets the balance between the have alots and the have nots or not as much. Although those that we term rich have more than enough of the worlds resources, God provides to those who have not as much enough for their daily life. God corrects the balance, even if on first sight we perceive a world imbalance consisting of poverty and injustice. In the New Testament Jesus told us that He even provides food for the birds of the air who do not work full time, part time to earn a living. God helps us to provide us with our daily needs and thus a healthy balance is achieved between the material and spiritual life.
19 And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over until morning.”20. But they did not listen to Moses;. some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul. And Moses was angry with them.21. Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each, needed but when the sun grew hot, it melted.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 19 to 21)
The forces of human nature in us are very strong. If left to our own devices or complete free will we abuse of that freedom and go our ways. This is why God by means of Moses was strict with His chosen people. To obey another let alone God does not come natural in us. It seems that due to sin we acquire a negative spirit of disobedience that urges us to go against the will of God. Therefore one of our greatest aims in life that we are to pray God to help us resolve is the submission of this negative spirit of disobedience in us so that we can be obedient both to God and even to our fellow persons, when and were positively required of us.
22. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much food, two omers apiece. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses. 23. he said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD ;. bake what you want to bake and boil what you will boil what you want to boil, all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning. ’”24. So they put it aside until morning, as Moses commanded them and it did not become foul, and there were no worms in it.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 22 to 24)
Again and again God is guiding the people to sanctify the Sabbath day that is our Sunday. God is very practical. In order to spend the day reflecting on God and avoid being distracted by the ways of the world such as work and house chores God advises the people to deal with these things throughout the week. In relation to cooking God gives us a good tip. On friday food is to be prepared for two days so that on a Sunday no time is to be devoted on chores but on God alone. In essence if we manage to handle or distribute our time better we will find more time for prayer amongst other things.
25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a "Sabbath, there will be none.”
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 25 to 26)
The bread that fell from the sky was to be eaten on the Sabbath day which, was a very special day. This is why on a Saturday in particular God wants us to sanctify this day through the act of communion as one body of Christ. Moreover the Host which is the sacrificial offering has the shape of the manna that God's people where given to eat.. God is our manna that has come and comes every day to nourish our physical and spiritual welfare.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 22 to 24)
Again and again God is guiding the people to sanctify the Sabbath day that is our Sunday. God is very practical. In order to spend the day reflecting on God and avoid being distracted by the ways of the world such as work and house chores God advises the people to deal with these things throughout the week. In relation to cooking God gives us a good tip. On friday food is to be prepared for two days so that on a Sunday no time is to be devoted on chores but on God alone. In essence if we manage to handle or distribute our time better we will find more time for prayer amongst other things.
25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. 26. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a "Sabbath, there will be none.”
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 25 to 26)
The bread that fell from the sky was to be eaten on the Sabbath day which, was a very special day. This is why on a Saturday in particular God wants us to sanctify this day through the act of communion as one body of Christ. Moreover the Host which is the sacrificial offering has the shape of the manna that God's people where given to eat.. God is our manna that has come and comes every day to nourish our physical and spiritual welfare.
27. On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28. The LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and instructions ? 29. See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you food for two days: each of you stay where you are: do not leave your place on the seventh day.”30. So the people rested on the seventh day.
(Exodus chapter 16 verse 27 to 30)
God gives us clear and simple instructions, however for some reason we still want to do what we consider as being right or necessary. God offers us His rest and to rest in His presence, but our agenda is totally different. We want to keep on doing and earning money and not even giving our brain and body a rest. This leads to our burnout as humans. Our body is not made to endure extreme hours of work. After long periods of time of work, the body needs to rest. If we binge sleep instead of getting our reasonable share of rest our body will experience negative consequences. Therefore when God is ordering us to rest on a Saturday God knows what He is saying and is not mistaken.
(Exodus chapter 16 verse 27 to 30)
God gives us clear and simple instructions, however for some reason we still want to do what we consider as being right or necessary. God offers us His rest and to rest in His presence, but our agenda is totally different. We want to keep on doing and earning money and not even giving our brain and body a rest. This leads to our burnout as humans. Our body is not made to endure extreme hours of work. After long periods of time of work, the body needs to rest. If we binge sleep instead of getting our reasonable share of rest our body will experience negative consequences. Therefore when God is ordering us to rest on a Saturday God knows what He is saying and is not mistaken.
31.The house of Israel called it manna; it was like white coriander seed, white and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. 32. Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: 'Let an omer of it, be kept throughout your generations, in order that they may see the food with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” 33. And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD, to be kept throughout your generations.”
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 31 to 33)
In order to view this scene please click on the following link:
manna given to the people
God so much wanted us to remember this even that in our tabernacles we place the host in the form of the Eucharist there for our adoration, so that we may never forget the presence of God in our lives.
34. As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the covenant, for safe keeping. 35. The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to habitable land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is one-tenth of an ephah.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 34 to 35)
The people of God lived on manna for fourty years. When considering the quality of nourishment and the long time span it is a miracle that they survived for so long. However on reflecting I think that the true message is that when we are nourished by the Word of God we have the best source of food that money can never purchase. God nourishes our souls and even helps us to earn a living in order to nourish our bodies and keep it with the necessary resources needed to live our life on earth such as food, clothing amongst others. Mrs Mary Geveetha the author of this chapter chose to end the sixteenth chapter of the book of Exodus with the following prayer:
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 31 to 33)
In order to view this scene please click on the following link:
manna given to the people
God so much wanted us to remember this even that in our tabernacles we place the host in the form of the Eucharist there for our adoration, so that we may never forget the presence of God in our lives.
34. As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the covenant, for safe keeping. 35. The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to habitable land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is one-tenth of an ephah.
(Exodus chapter 16 verses 34 to 35)
The people of God lived on manna for fourty years. When considering the quality of nourishment and the long time span it is a miracle that they survived for so long. However on reflecting I think that the true message is that when we are nourished by the Word of God we have the best source of food that money can never purchase. God nourishes our souls and even helps us to earn a living in order to nourish our bodies and keep it with the necessary resources needed to live our life on earth such as food, clothing amongst others. Mrs Mary Geveetha the author of this chapter chose to end the sixteenth chapter of the book of Exodus with the following prayer:
Almighty Father,
We praise and glorify You for delivering Your people of old from enslavement in Egypt and providing for them even in their dissatisfaction and grumbling.
Thank You for the wisdom of how our lives should be conducted. We pray that we become a people with much integrity and work hard for our living and not call upon Your blessings without making an effort of our own.
We pray that we be satisfied with the enough we have and not greed for more riches in life. May we be more concerned of laying our treasures with You than saving it for earthly pleasures.
We pray earnestly to hunger for our Lord and Saviour Jesus, the Bread of Life, in whom we shall not hunger. We pray to thirst for His living waters that never runs dry. That we remain fully nourished and equipped in spirits to overcome all temptations and failings and greed for more of flesh and of the world.
We pray this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen!
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