God’s Word of Wisdom
Introduction
Exodus 16:22-36: On the sixth day, the people are instructed to gather twice as much food in preparation for the next day, a holy day of rest, dedicated to the LORD.
Scripture Reading
22 On the sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts for each person. All the leaders of the community came and told Moses about it, 23 and he said to them, “The Lord has commanded that tomorrow is a holy day of rest, dedicated to him. Bake today what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Whatever is left should be put aside and kept for tomorrow.” 24 As Moses had commanded, they kept what was left until the next day; it did not spoil or get worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat this today, because today is the Sabbath, a day of rest dedicated to the Lord, and you will not find any food outside the camp. 26 You must gather food for six days, but on the seventh day, the day of rest, there will be none.”
27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather food, but they did not find any. 28 Then the Lord said to Moses, “How much longer will you people refuse to obey my commands? 29 Remember that I, the Lord, have given you a day of rest, and that is why on the sixth day I will always give you enough food for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day and not leave his home.” 30 So the people did no work on the seventh day.
31 The people of Israel called the food manna.[a] It was like a small white seed, and tasted like thin cakes made with honey. 32 Moses said, “The Lord has commanded us to save some manna, to be kept for our descendants, so that they can see the food which he gave us to eat in the desert when he brought us out of Egypt.” 33 Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, put two quarts of manna in it, and place it in the Lord’s presence to be kept for our descendants.” 34 As the Lord had commanded Moses, Aaron put it in front of the Covenant Box, so that it could be kept. 35 The Israelites ate manna for the next forty years, until they reached the land of Canaan, where they settled. (36 The standard dry measure then in use equaled twenty quarts.)
Today’s Key Verse: Exodus 16:29a
“Remember that I, the LORD, have given you a day of rest.”
Reflect
Why were the people to gather twice as much food on the sixth day? What did the people call the food (verse 31)? Why did the LORD command the people to save some manna for their descendants? What did Moses instruct Aaron to do? Are there objects within your community of faith that are saved for future generations?
Pray
Lord God, like manna from heaven, you provide for my needs and nourish me each day with your precious Word. Thank you for mercy, love, and grace. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Exodus 17:1-16: God provides water from a rock.