By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
PROVISION GIVEN
Exodus 16:11–19; 17:1–6
God provides for the needs of His people. His mighty hand provided Israel with freedom from Egyptian slavery by means of plagues and the Passover. Through His presence, He provided escape for Israel from Egyptian slaughter.
After days of travel without clean water, God provided Israel with sweet water for bitter water before leading them to an oasis of 12 springs.
Like your family on a long trip without cellular service or air conditioning, Israel became uncomfortable quickly. Moms had children to care for with limited supplies. Dads were responsible for their families, their livestock and their possessions.
Imagine a few kids asking, “Where are we going? Are we there yet? I’m hungry. I’m thirsty. Can we go home now?” Once the kids get whiny, then moms and dads begin griping. Before long, tempers are flaring toward each other. Next thing you know, everyone was blaming Moses and Aaron because they had no meat or bread like they had back in Egypt.
Provision (16:11–15)
Meat. The Israelites complained about their lack of meat, so God provided quail for them. While quail is nothing compared to the “Arnold Schwarze-turkeys” that we Americans eat for holidays, God provided sufficiently to satisfy their desire for meat.
When they later complained about their lack of meat, God made them sick of it. (See Num. 11:20.) Be careful to be grateful for God’s provision.
Manna. Have you ever been introduced to unfamiliar food from another culture? Naturally, questions arise such as, “What is it? What is it made of?” Each morning when God provided this food for them, they asked what it was. They began calling it “manna,” meaning “what?” (See Christian Standard Bible footnote to verse 31.)
Moses. When they asked, Moses directed their attention back to the divine name of God. “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.” You may be like me, prone to chasing proverbial rabbits. We need a Moses in our lives focusing our attention on our Provider, not just His provisions.
Instruction (16–19)
Enough. Gather enough for your family. When they tried to hoard food, it rotted overnight. This prevented them from being selfish and taught them to trust God for their provision.
A valuable lesson from this is that we cannot depend on spiritual leftovers. We need fresh provision from God daily.
Each day. Every morning, they were to gather food provisions for the family. As the day heated up, the exposed food melted away. They awoke each day with the responsibility to get their supplies. They learned to count on the Lord every day to provide for them.
Exception. In the verses that follow this passage, an exception was made for the Sabbath day. As a precursor to the Sabbath day (20:8–11) and Sabbath year (Lev. 25:1–22) instructions, the Israelites could not gather manna on the Sabbath. Instead, God provided a double portion on the sixth day of the week that would not spoil on the Sabbath.
Further Provision (17:1–6)
Water from a rock. Israel camped at Rephidim but they had no water. They bemoaned leaving Egypt and blamed Moses. God provided water from a rock that Moses struck in the presence of the elders. The Lord made the impossible possible by giving the people enough water for themselves and their livestock.
Water from the Rock. Paul points to Jesus as the spiritual Rock who provided for Israel (1 Cor. 10:4). Jesus provides living water that satisfies our thirsty souls.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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