mh_parser/vol_split/2 - Exodus/Chapter 16.xml

<div2 id="Ex.xvii" n="xvii" next="Ex.xviii" prev="Ex.xvi" progress="38.85%" title="Chapter XVI">
<h2 id="Ex.xvii-p0.1">E X O D U S</h2>
<h3 id="Ex.xvii-p0.2">CHAP. XVI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ex.xvii-p1">This chapter gives us an account of the
victualling of the camp of Israel. I. Their complaint for want of
bread, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.1-Exod.16.3" parsed="|Exod|16|1|16|3" passage="Ex 16:1-3">ver. 1-3</scripRef>. II. The
notice God gave them beforehand of the provision he intended to
make for them, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.4-Exod.16.12" parsed="|Exod|16|4|16|12" passage="Ex 16:4-12">ver. 4-12</scripRef>.
III. The sending of the manna, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.13-Exod.16.15" parsed="|Exod|16|13|16|15" passage="Ex 16:13-15">ver.
13-15</scripRef>. IV. The laws and orders concerning the manna. 1.
That they should gather it daily for their daily bread, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.16-Exod.16.21" parsed="|Exod|16|16|16|21" passage="Ex 16:16-21">ver. 16-21</scripRef>. 2. That they should
gather a double portion on the sixth day, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.22-Exod.16.26" parsed="|Exod|16|22|16|26" passage="Ex 16:22-26">ver. 22-26</scripRef>. 3. That they should expect
none on the seventh day, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.27-Exod.16.31" parsed="|Exod|16|27|16|31" passage="Ex 16:27-31">ver.
27-31</scripRef>. 4. That they should preserve a pot of it for a
memorial, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.32-Exod.16.36" parsed="|Exod|16|32|16|36" passage="Ex 16:32-36">ver. 32</scripRef>,
&amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Ex.xvii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16" parsed="|Exod|16|0|0|0" passage="Ex 16" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xvii-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.1-Exod.16.12" parsed="|Exod|16|1|16|12" passage="Ex 16:1-12" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.16.1-Exod.16.12">
<h4 id="Ex.xvii-p1.10">The Israelites Murmur for
Bread. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p1.11">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xvii-p2">1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all
the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness
of Sin, which <i>is</i> between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth
day of the second month after their departing out of the land of
Egypt.   2 And the whole congregation of the children of
Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:   3
And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died
by the hand of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.1">Lord</span> in the land
of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, <i>and</i> when we did eat
bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this
wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.   4 Then
said the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.2">Lord</span> unto Moses, Behold, I
will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out
and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether
they will walk in my law, or no.   5 And it shall come to
pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare <i>that</i> which
they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
  6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel,
At even, then ye shall know that the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.3">Lord</span> hath brought you out from the land of
Egypt:   7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.4">Lord</span>; for that he heareth your
murmurings against the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.5">Lord</span>: and
what <i>are</i> we, that ye murmur against us?   8 And Moses
said, <i>This shall be,</i> when the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.6">Lord</span> shall give you in the evening flesh to eat,
and in the morning bread to the full; for that the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.7">Lord</span> heareth your murmurings which ye murmur
against him: and what <i>are</i> we? your murmurings <i>are</i> not
against us, but against the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.8">Lord</span>.
  9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation
of the children of Israel, Come near before the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.9">Lord</span>: for he hath heard your murmurings.  
10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation
of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness,
and, behold, the glory of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.10">Lord</span>
appeared in the cloud.   11 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.11">Lord</span> spake unto Moses, saying,   12 I have
heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them,
saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be
filled with bread; and ye shall know that I <i>am</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p2.12">Lord</span> your God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p3">The host of Israel, it seems, took along
with them out of Egypt, when they came thence on the fifteenth day
of the first month, a month's provisions, which, by the fifteenth
day of the second month, was all spent; and here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p4">I. Their discontent and murmuring upon that
occasion, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.2-Exod.16.3" parsed="|Exod|16|2|16|3" passage="Ex 16:2,3"><i>v.</i> 2, 3</scripRef>.
The whole congregation, the greatest part of them, joined in this
mutiny; it was not immediately against God that they murmured, but
(which was equivalent) against Moses and Aaron, God's vicegerents
among them. 1. They count upon being killed in the
wilderness—nothing less, at the first appearance of disaster. If
the Lord had been pleased to kill them, he could easily have done
that in the Red Sea; but then he preserved them, and now could as
easily provide for them. It argues great distrust of God, and of
his power and goodness, in every distress and appearance of danger
to despair of life, and to talk of nothing but being speedily
killed. 2. They invidiously charge Moses with a design to starve
them when he brought them out of Egypt; whereas what he had done
was both by order from God and with a design to promote their
welfare. Note, It is no new thing for the greatest kindnesses to be
misinterpreted and basely represented as the greatest injuries. The
worst colours are sometimes put upon the best actions. Nay, 3. They
so far undervalue their deliverance that they wish they had died in
Egypt, nay, and died by the hand of the Lord too, that is, by some
of the plagues which cut off the Egyptians, as if it were not the
hand of the Lord, but of Moses only, that brought them into this
hungry wilderness. It is common for people to say of that pain, or
sickness, or sore, of which they see not the second causes, "It is
what pleases God," as if that were not so likewise which comes by
the hand of man, or some visible accident. Prodigious madness! They
would rather die by the fleshpots of Egypt, where they found
themselves with provision, than live under the guidance of the
heavenly pillar in a wilderness and be provided for by the hand of
God! they pronounce it better to have fallen in the destruction of
God's enemies than to bear the fatherly discipline of his children!
We cannot suppose that they had any great plenty in Egypt, how
largely soever they now talk of the flesh-pots; nor could they fear
dying for want in the wilderness, while they had their flocks and
herds with them. But discontent magnifies what is past, and
vilifies what is present, without regard to truth or reason. None
talk more absurdly than murmurers. Their impatience, ingratitude,
and distrust of God, were so much the worse in that they had lately
received such miraculous favours, and convincing proofs both that
God could help them in the greatest exigencies and that really he
had mercy in store for them. See how <i>soon they forgot his works,
and provoked him at the sea, even at the Red Sea,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.106.7-Ps.106.13" parsed="|Ps|106|7|106|13" passage="Ps 106:7-13">Ps. cvi. 7-13</scripRef>. Note, Experiences
of God's mercies greatly aggravate our distrusts and
murmurings.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p5">II. The care God graciously took for their
supply. Justly he might have said, "I will rain fire and brimstone
upon these murmurers, and consume them;" but, quite contrary, he
promises to rain bread upon them. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p6">1. How God makes known to Moses his kind
intentions, that he might not be uneasy at their murmurings, nor be
tempted to wish he had let them alone in Egypt. (1.) He takes
notice of the people's complaints: <i>I have heard the murmurings
of the children of Israel,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.12" parsed="|Exod|16|12|0|0" passage="Ex 16:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. As a God of pity, he took
cognizance of their necessity, which was the occasion of their
murmuring; as a just and holy God, he took cognizance of their base
and unworthy reflections upon his servant Moses, and was much
displeased with them. Note, When we begin to fret and be uneasy, we
ought to consider that God hears all our murmurings, though silent,
and only the murmurings of the heart. Princes, parents, masters, do
not hear all the murmurs of their inferiors against them, and it is
well they do not, for perhaps they could not bear it; but God
hears, and yet bears. We must not think, because God does not
immediately take vengeance on men for their sins, that therefore he
does not take notice of them; no, he hears the murmurings of
Israel, and is grieved with this generation, and yet continues his
care of them, as the tender parent of the froward child. (2.) He
promises them a speedy, sufficient, and constant supply, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.4" parsed="|Exod|16|4|0|0" passage="Ex 16:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. Man being made out of the
earth, his Maker has wisely ordered him food out of the earth,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.104.14" parsed="|Ps|104|14|0|0" passage="Ps 104:14">Ps. civ. 14</scripRef>. But the
people of Israel, typifying the church of the first-born that are
written in heaven, and born from above, and being themselves
immediately under the direction and government of heaven, receiving
their charters, laws, and commissions, from heaven, from heaven
also received their food: their law being given by the disposition
of angels, they did also eat angels' food. See what God designed in
making this provision for them: <i>That I may prove them, whether
they will walk in my law or no.</i> [1.] Thus he tried whether they
would trust him, and walk in the law of faith or no, whether they
could live from hand to mouth, and (though now uneasy because their
provisions were spent) could rest satisfied with the bread of the
day in its day, and depend upon God for fresh supplies to-morrow.
[2.] Thus he tried whether they would serve him, and be always
faithful to so good a Master, that provided so well for his
servants; and hereby he made it appear to all the world, in the
issue, what an ungrateful people they were, whom nothing could
affect with a sense of obligation. Let <i>favour be shown</i> to
them, yet <i>will they not learn righteousness,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.26.10" parsed="|Isa|26|10|0|0" passage="Isa 26:10">Isa. xxvi. 10</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p7">2. How Moses made known these intentions to
Israel, as God ordered him. Here Aaron was his prophet, as he had
been to Pharaoh. Moses directed Aaron what to <i>speak to the
congregation of Israel</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.9" parsed="|Exod|16|9|0|0" passage="Ex 16:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>); and some think that, while Aaron was giving a public
summons to the congregation to <i>come near before the Lord,</i>
Moses retired to pray, and that the appearance of the glory of the
Lord (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.10" parsed="|Exod|16|10|0|0" passage="Ex 16:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>) was in
answer to his prayer. They are called to come near, as <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.1.18" parsed="|Isa|1|18|0|0" passage="Isa 1:18">Isa. i. 18</scripRef>, <i>Come, and let us
reason together.</i> Note, God condescends to give even murmurers a
fair hearing; and shall we then despise the cause of our inferiors
when they contend with us? <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Job.31.13" parsed="|Job|31|13|0|0" passage="Job 31:13">Job xxxi.
13</scripRef>. (1.) He convinces them of the evil of their
murmurings. They thought they reflected only upon Moses and Aaron,
but here they are told that God was struck at through their sides.
This is much insisted on (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.7-Exod.16.8" parsed="|Exod|16|7|16|8" passage="Ex 16:7,8"><i>v.</i>
7, 8</scripRef>): "<i>Your murmurings are not against us,</i> then
we would have been silent, but <i>against the Lord;</i> it was he
that led you into these straits, and not we." Note, When we murmur
against those who are instruments of any uneasiness to us, whether
justly or unjustly, we should do well to consider how much we
reflect upon God by it; men are but God's hand. Those that quarrel
with the reproofs and convictions of the word, and are angry with
their ministers when they are touched in a tender part, know not
what they do, for therein they strive with their Maker. Let this
for ever stop the mouth of murmuring, that it is daring impiety to
murmur at God, because he is God; and gross absurdity to murmur at
men, because they are but men. (2.) He assures them of the supply
of their wants, that since they had harped upon the flesh-pots so
much they should for once have flesh in abundance that evening, and
bread the next morning, and so on every day thenceforward,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.8 Bible:Exod.16.12" parsed="|Exod|16|8|0|0;|Exod|16|12|0|0" passage="Ex 16:8,12"><i>v.</i> 8, 12</scripRef>. Many
there are of whom we say that they are better fed than taught; but
the Israelites were thus fed, that they might be taught. <i>He led
him about, he instructed him</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Deut.32.10" parsed="|Deut|32|10|0|0" passage="De 32:10">Deut. xxxii. 10</scripRef>); and, as to this instance,
see <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.8" osisRef="Bible:Deut.8.3" parsed="|Deut|8|3|0|0" passage="De 8:3">Deut. viii. 3</scripRef>, <i>He fed
thee with manna, that thou mightest know that man doth not live by
bread only.</i> And, besides this, here are two things mentioned,
which he intended to teach them by sending them manna:—[1.] <i>By
this you shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the
land of Egypt,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.6" parsed="|Exod|16|6|0|0" passage="Ex 16:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>. That they were brought out of Egypt was plain enough;
but so strangely sottish and short-sighted were they that they said
it was Moses that brought them out, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.3" parsed="|Exod|16|3|0|0" passage="Ex 16:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. Now God sent them manna, to prove
that it was no less than infinite power and goodness that brought
them out, and this could perfect what was begun. If Moses only had
brought them out of Egypt, he could not thus have fed them; they
must therefore own that that was the Lord's doing, because this was
so, and both were marvellous in their eyes; yet, long afterwards,
they needed to be told that <i>Moses gave them not this bread from
heaven,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.11" osisRef="Bible:John.6.32" parsed="|John|6|32|0|0" passage="Joh 6:32">John vi. 32</scripRef>.
[2.] <i>By this you shall know that I am the Lord your God,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p7.12" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.12" parsed="|Exod|16|12|0|0" passage="Ex 16:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. This gave
proof of his power as the Lord, and his particular favour to them
as their God. When God plagued the Egyptians, it was to make them
know that he was the Lord; when he provided for the Israelites, it
was to make them know that he was their God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p8">3. How God himself manifested his glory, to
still the murmurings of the people, and to put a reputation upon
Moses and Aaron, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.10" parsed="|Exod|16|10|0|0" passage="Ex 16:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>. While Aaron was speaking, <i>the glory of the Lord
appeared in the cloud.</i> The cloud itself, one would think, was
enough both to strike an awe upon them and to give encouragement to
them; yet, in a few days, it had grown so familiar to them that it
made no impression upon them, unless it shone with an unusual
brightness. Note, What God's ministers say to us is then likely to
do us good when the glory of God shines in with it upon our
souls.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xvii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16" parsed="|Exod|16|0|0|0" passage="Ex 16" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xvii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.13-Exod.16.21" parsed="|Exod|16|13|16|21" passage="Ex 16:13-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.16.13-Exod.16.21">
<h4 id="Ex.xvii-p8.4">Manna Rained from Heaven. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p8.5">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xvii-p9">13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails
came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round
about the host.   14 And when the dew that lay was gone up,
behold, upon the face of the wilderness <i>there lay</i> a small
round thing, <i>as</i> small as the hoar frost on the ground.
  15 And when the children of Israel saw <i>it,</i> they said
one to another, It <i>is</i> manna: for they wist not what it
<i>was.</i> And Moses said unto them, This <i>is</i> the bread
which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p9.1">Lord</span> hath given you to
eat.   16 This <i>is</i> the thing which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p9.2">Lord</span> hath commanded, Gather of it every man
according to his eating, an omer for every man, <i>according to</i>
the number of your persons; take ye every man for <i>them</i> which
<i>are</i> in his tents.   17 And the children of Israel did
so, and gathered, some more, some less.   18 And when they did
mete <i>it</i> with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing
over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every
man according to his eating.   19 And Moses said, Let no man
leave of it till the morning.   20 Notwithstanding they
hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the
morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with
them.   21 And they gathered it every morning, every man
according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p10">Now they begin to be provided for by the
immediate hand of God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p11">I. He makes them a feast, at night, of
delicate fowl, <i>feathered fowl</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.78.27" parsed="|Ps|78|27|0|0" passage="Ps 78:27">Ps. lxxviii. 27</scripRef>), therefore not
<i>locusts,</i> as some think; quails, or pheasants, or some wild
fowl, came up, and covered the camp, so tame that they might take
up as many of them as they pleased. Note, God gives us of the good
things of this life, not only for necessity, but for delight, that
we may not only serve him, but serve him cheerfully.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p12">II. Next morning he rained manna upon them,
which was to be continued to them for their daily bread. 1. That
which was provided for them was manna, which descended from the
clouds, so that, in some sense, they might be said to live upon the
air. It came down in dew that melted, and yet was itself of such a
consistency as to serve for nourishing strengthening food, without
any thing else. They called it <i>manna, manhu,</i> "What is this?"
Either, "What a poor thing this is!" despising it: or, "What a
strange thing this is!" admiring it: or, "It is a portion, no
matter what it is; it is that which our God has allotted us, and we
will take it and be thankful," <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.14-Exod.16.15" parsed="|Exod|16|14|16|15" passage="Ex 16:14,15"><i>v.</i> 14, 15</scripRef>. It was pleasant food;
the Jews say that it was palatable to all, however varied their
tastes. It was wholesome food, light of digestion, and very
necessary (Dr. Grew says) to cleanse them from disorders with which
he thinks it probable that they were, in the time of their bondage,
more or less infected, which disorders a luxurious diet would have
made contagious. By this spare and plain diet we are all taught a
lesson of temperance, and forbidden to desire dainties and
varieties. 2. They were to gather it every morning (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.21" parsed="|Exod|16|21|0|0" passage="Ex 16:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>), <i>the portion of a
day in his day,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.4" parsed="|Exod|16|4|0|0" passage="Ex 16:4"><i>v.</i>
4</scripRef>. Thus they must live upon daily providence, as the
fowls of the air, of which it is said, <i>That which thou givest
them they gather</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.104.28" parsed="|Ps|104|28|0|0" passage="Ps 104:28">Ps. civ.
28</scripRef>); not to-day for to-morrow: <i>let the morrow take
thought for the things of itself.</i> To this daily raining and
gathering of manna our Saviour seems to allude when he teaches us
to pray, <i>Give us this day our daily bread.</i> We are hereby
taught, (1.) Prudence and diligence in providing food convenient
for ourselves and our household. What God graciously gives we must
industriously gather; with quietness working, and eating our own
bread, not the bread either of idleness or deceit. God's bounty
leaves room for man's duty; it did so even when manna was rained:
they must not eat till they have gathered. (2.) Contentment and
satisfaction with a sufficiency. They must gather, <i>every man
according to his eating;</i> enough is as good as a feast, and more
than enough is as bad as a surfeit. Those that have most have, for
themselves, but food, and raiment, and mirth; and those that have
least generally have these: so that <i>he who gathers much has
nothing over, and he who gathers little has no lack.</i> There is
not so great a disproportion between one and another in the
comforts and enjoyments of the things of this life as there is in
the property and possession of the things themselves. (3.)
Dependence upon Providence: <i>Let no man leave till morning</i>
(<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.19" parsed="|Exod|16|19|0|0" passage="Ex 16:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>), but let
them learn to go to bed and sleep quietly, though they have not a
bit of bread in their tent, nor in all their camp, trusting that
God, with the following day, will bring them their daily bread." It
was surer and safer in God's store-house than in their own, and
would thence come to them sweeter and fresher. Read with this,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:Matt.6.25" parsed="|Matt|6|25|0|0" passage="Mt 6:25">Matt. vi. 25</scripRef>, <i>Take no
thought for your life,</i> &amp;c. See here the folly of hoarding.
The manna that was laid up by some (who thought themselves wiser
and better managers than their neighbours, and who would provide in
case it should fail next day), putrefied, and bred worms, and
became good for nothing. Note, That proves to be most wasted which
is covetously and distrustfully spared. Those riches are corrupted,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.7" osisRef="Bible:Jas.5.2-Jas.5.3" parsed="|Jas|5|2|5|3" passage="Jam 5:2,3">James v. 2, 3</scripRef>. Let us set
ourselves to think, [1.] Of that great power of God which fed
Israel in the wilderness, and made miracles their daily bread. What
cannot this God do, who prepared a table in the wilderness, and
furnished it richly even for those who questioned whether he could
or no? <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.78.19-Ps.78.20" parsed="|Ps|78|19|78|20" passage="Ps 78:19,20">Ps. lxxviii. 19,
20</scripRef>. Never was there such a market of provisions as this,
where so many hundred thousand men were daily furnished, without
money and without price. Never was there such an open house kept as
God kept in the wilderness for forty years together, nor such free
and plentiful entertainment given. The feast which Ahasuerus made,
to show the <i>riches of his kingdom,</i> and the <i>honour of his
majesty,</i> was nothing to this, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.9" osisRef="Bible:Esth.1.4" parsed="|Esth|1|4|0|0" passage="Es 1:4">Esth.
i. 4</scripRef>. It is said (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.21" parsed="|Exod|16|21|0|0" passage="Ex 16:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>), <i>When the sun waxed hot, it melted;</i> as if
what was left were drawn up by the heat of the sun into the air to
be the seed of the next day's harvest, and so from day to day. [2.]
Of that constant providence of God which <i>gives food to all
flesh, for his mercy endures for ever,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p12.11" osisRef="Bible:Ps.136.25" parsed="|Ps|136|25|0|0" passage="Ps 136:25">Ps. cxxxvi. 25</scripRef>. He is a great house-keeper
that provides for all the creatures. The same wisdom, power, and
goodness that now brought food daily out of the clouds, are
employed in the constant course of nature, bringing food yearly out
of the earth, and giving us all things richly to enjoy.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xvii-p12.12" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.22-Exod.16.31" parsed="|Exod|16|22|16|31" passage="Ex 16:22-31" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.16.22-Exod.16.31">
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xvii-p13">22 And it came to pass, <i>that</i> on the sixth
day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one
<i>man:</i> and all the rulers of the congregation came and told
Moses.   23 And he said unto them, This <i>is that</i> which
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p13.1">Lord</span> hath said, To morrow
<i>is</i> the rest of the holy sabbath unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p13.2">Lord</span>: bake <i>that</i> which ye will bake <i>to
day,</i> and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth
over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.   24 And
they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not
stink, neither was there any worm therein.   25 And Moses
said, Eat that to day; for to day <i>is</i> a sabbath unto the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p13.3">Lord</span>: to day ye shall not find it in
the field.   26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the
seventh day, <i>which is</i> the sabbath, in it there shall be
none.   27 And it came to pass, <i>that</i> there went out
<i>some</i> of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and
they found none.   28 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p13.4">Lord</span> said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep
my commandments and my laws?   29 See, for that the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p13.5">Lord</span> hath given you the sabbath, therefore
he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye
every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the
seventh day.   30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
  31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna:
and it <i>was</i> like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it
<i>was</i> like wafers <i>made</i> with honey.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p14">We have here, 1. A plain intimation of the
observing of a <i>seventh day sabbath,</i> not only before the
giving of the law upon Mount Sinai, but before the bringing of
Israel out of Egypt, and therefore, <i>from the beginning,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.2.3" parsed="|Gen|2|3|0|0" passage="Ge 2:3">Gen. ii. 3</scripRef>. If the sabbath
had now been first instituted, how could Moses have understood what
God said to him (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.5" parsed="|Exod|16|5|0|0" passage="Ex 16:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>), concerning a double portion to be gathered on the
sixth day, without making any express mention of the sabbath? And
how could the people so readily take the hint (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.22" parsed="|Exod|16|22|0|0" passage="Ex 16:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), even to the surprise of the
rulers, before Moses had declared that it was done with a regard to
the sabbath, if they had not had some knowledge of the sabbath
before? The setting apart of one day in seven for holy work, and,
in order to that, for holy rest, was a divine appointment ever
since God created man upon the earth, and the most ancient of
positive laws. The way of sabbath-sanctification is the good old
way. 2. The double provision which God made for the Israelites, and
which they were to make for themselves, on the sixth day: God gave
them <i>on the sixth day the bread of two days,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.29" parsed="|Exod|16|29|0|0" passage="Ex 16:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. Appointing them to rest
on the seventh day, he took care that they should be no losers by
it; and none ever will be losers by serving God. On that day they
were to fetch in enough for two days, and to prepare it, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.23" parsed="|Exod|16|23|0|0" passage="Ex 16:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. The law was very
strict, that they must bake and seeth, the day before, and not on
the sabbath day. This does not now make it unlawful for us to dress
meat on the Lord's day, but directs us to contrive our family
affairs so that they may hinder us as little as possible in the
work of the sabbath. Works of necessity, no doubt, are to be done
on that day; but it is desirable to have as little as may be to do
of things necessary to the life that now is, that we may apply
ourselves the more closely to the one thing needful. That which
they kept of for their food on the sabbath day did not putrefy,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.24" parsed="|Exod|16|24|0|0" passage="Ex 16:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>. When they
kept it in opposition to a command (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.20" parsed="|Exod|16|20|0|0" passage="Ex 16:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>) it stank; when they kept it in
obedience to a command it was sweet and good; for every thing is
sanctified by the <i>word of God and prayer.</i> 3. The
intermission of the manna on the seventh day. God did not send it
then, and therefore they must not expect it, nor go out to gather,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.25-Exod.16.26" parsed="|Exod|16|25|16|26" passage="Ex 16:25,26"><i>v.</i> 25, 26</scripRef>. This
showed that it was not produced by natural causes, and that it was
designed for a confirmation of the divine authority of the law
which was to be given by Moses. Thus God took an effectual course
to make them <i>remember the sabbath day;</i> they could not forget
it, nor the day of preparation for it. Some, it seems, went out on
the seventh day, expecting to find manna (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.27" parsed="|Exod|16|27|0|0" passage="Ex 16:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>); but they found none, for those
that will find must seek in the appointed time: seek the Lord
<i>while he may be found.</i> God, upon this occasion, said to
Moses, <i>How long refuse you to keep my commandments?</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p14.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.28" parsed="|Exod|16|28|0|0" passage="Ex 16:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>. Why did he
say this to Moses? He was not disobedient. No, but he was the ruler
of a disobedient people, and God charges it upon him that he might
the more warmly charge it upon them, and might take care that their
disobedience should not be through any neglect or default of his.
It was for going out to seek for manna on he seventh day that they
were thus reproved. Note, (1.) Disobedience, even in a small
matter, is very provoking. (2.) God is jealous for the honour of
his sabbaths. If walking out on the sabbath to seek for food was
thus reproved, walking out on that day purely to find our own
pleasure cannot be justified.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xvii-p14.11" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.32-Exod.16.36" parsed="|Exod|16|32|16|36" passage="Ex 16:32-36" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.16.32-Exod.16.36">
<h4 id="Ex.xvii-p14.12">A Pot of Manna Preserved. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p14.13">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xvii-p15">32 And Moses said, This <i>is</i> the thing
which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p15.1">Lord</span> commandeth, Fill an
omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the
bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought
you forth from the land of Egypt.   33 And Moses said unto
Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay
it up before the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p15.2">Lord</span>, to be kept
for your generations.   34 As the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvii-p15.3">Lord</span> commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before
the Testimony, to be kept.   35 And the children of Israel did
eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they
did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of
Canaan.   36 Now an omer <i>is</i> the tenth <i>part</i> of an
ephah.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvii-p16">God having provided manna to be his
people's food in the wilderness, and to be to them a continual
feast, we are here told, 1. How the memory of it was preserved. An
omer of this manna was laid up in <i>a golden pot,</i> as we are
told (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.4" parsed="|Heb|9|4|0|0" passage="Heb 9:4">Heb. ix. 4</scripRef>), and kept
<i>before the testimony,</i> or the ark, when it was afterwards
made, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.32-Exod.16.34" parsed="|Exod|16|32|16|34" passage="Ex 16:32-34"><i>v.</i> 32-34</scripRef>.
The preservation of this manna from waste and corruption was a
standing miracle, and therefore the more proper memorial of this
miraculous food. "Posterity shall <i>see the bread,</i>" says God,
"<i>wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness,</i>" see what sort
of food it was, and how much each man's daily proportion of it was,
that it may appear they were neither kept to hard fare nor to short
allowance, and then judge between God and Israel, whether they had
any cause given them to murmur and find fault with their
provisions, and whether they and their seed after them had not a
great deal of reason gratefully to won God's goodness to them.
Note, Eaten bread must not be forgotten. God's miracles and mercies
are to be had in everlasting remembrance, for our encouragement to
trust in him at all times. 2. How the mercy of it was continued as
long as they had occasion for it. The manna never ceased till they
came to the borders of Canaan, where there was bread enough and to
spare, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.16.35" parsed="|Exod|16|35|0|0" passage="Ex 16:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>. See
how constant the care of Providence is; seedtime and harvest fail
not, while the earth remains. Israel was very provoking in the
wilderness, yet the manna never failed them: thus still God causes
his rain to fall on the just and unjust. The manna is called
<i>spiritual meat</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.10.3" parsed="|1Cor|10|3|0|0" passage="1Co 10:3">1 Cor. x.
3</scripRef>), because it was typical of spiritual blessings in
heavenly things. Christ himself is the true manna, the bread of
life, of which this was a figure, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:John.6.49-John.6.51" parsed="|John|6|49|6|51" passage="Joh 6:49-51">John vi. 49-51</scripRef>. The word of God is the
manna by which our souls are nourished, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:Matt.4.4" parsed="|Matt|4|4|0|0" passage="Mt 4:4">Matt. iv. 4</scripRef>. The comforts of the Spirit are
hidden manna, <scripRef id="Ex.xvii-p16.7" osisRef="Bible:Rev.2.17" parsed="|Rev|2|17|0|0" passage="Re 2:17">Rev. ii. 17</scripRef>.
These come from heaven, as the manna did, and are the support and
comfort of the divine life in the soul, while we are in the
wilderness of this world. It is food for <i>Israelites,</i> for
those only that follow the pillar of cloud and fire. It is to be
<i>gathered;</i> Christ in the word is to be applied to the soul,
and the means of grace are to be used. We must every one of us
gather for ourselves, and gather in the morning of our
opportunities, which if we let slip, it may be too late to gather.
The manna they gathered must not be hoarded up, but eaten; those
that have received Christ must by faith live upon him, and not
receive his grace in vain. There was manna enough for all, enough
for each, and none had too much; so in Christ there is a complete
sufficiency, and no superfluity. But those that did eat manna
hungered again, died at last, and with many of them God was not
well-pleased; whereas those that feed on Christ by faith shall
never hunger, and shall die no more, and with them God will be for
ever well pleased. The Lord evermore give us this bread!</p>
</div></div2>