Exodus 16:15 - When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat.”
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What does "Exodus 16:15" mean?
This verse describes the first encounter the Israelites have with manna, the mysterious food God provides them in the wilderness after they leave Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"When the children of Israel saw it...": The Israelites, having left Egypt and now wandering in the desert, are hungry. They discover something new on the ground.
"...they said to one another, 'What is it?'": The phrase "What is it?" is important. In Hebrew, it's "Man Hu?" (מָן הוּא). This question is the origin of the name "manna." They literally don't know what this substance is.
"...For they didn’t know what it was.": This emphasizes their complete unfamiliarity with this food. They've never seen anything like it before. It's a completely new experience.
"Moses said to them, 'It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat.'": Moses explains that this substance is a provision from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as LORD). It's a direct gift to sustain them during their journey. He identifies it as "bread," although its exact texture and taste are described elsewhere in Exodus (sometimes as thin flakes or wafers tasting like honey).
In essence, the verse means:
God's Provision: It highlights God's miraculous provision for the Israelites in their time of need. They are in a desolate place, without a means of sustenance, and God intervenes.
A Sign of God's Presence: The manna becomes a constant reminder of God's presence and care for them. He is actively involved in their lives, ensuring their survival.
Test of Faith: The manna also served as a test of their faith and obedience. They were instructed to gather only what they needed for the day (except on the day before the Sabbath), and to trust that God would provide again tomorrow.
A Symbolic Foreshadowing: Some interpret the manna as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the "bread of life" who sustains spiritual life.
The verse is a pivotal moment in the Exodus story, establishing a pattern of God's miraculous intervention and the Israelites' dependence on Him for survival. It also underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision, even when the circumstances are uncertain.
Exodus 16:15 - When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat.”
What does "Exodus 16:15" mean?
This verse describes the first encounter the Israelites have with manna, the mysterious food God provides them in the wilderness after they leave Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"When the children of Israel saw it...": The Israelites, having left Egypt and now wandering in the desert, are hungry. They discover something new on the ground.
"...they said to one another, 'What is it?'": The phrase "What is it?" is important. In Hebrew, it's "Man Hu?" (מָן הוּא). This question is the origin of the name "manna." They literally don't know what this substance is.
"...For they didn’t know what it was.": This emphasizes their complete unfamiliarity with this food. They've never seen anything like it before. It's a completely new experience.
"Moses said to them, 'It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat.'": Moses explains that this substance is a provision from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as LORD). It's a direct gift to sustain them during their journey. He identifies it as "bread," although its exact texture and taste are described elsewhere in Exodus (sometimes as thin flakes or wafers tasting like honey).
In essence, the verse means:
God's Provision: It highlights God's miraculous provision for the Israelites in their time of need. They are in a desolate place, without a means of sustenance, and God intervenes.
A Sign of God's Presence: The manna becomes a constant reminder of God's presence and care for them. He is actively involved in their lives, ensuring their survival.
Test of Faith: The manna also served as a test of their faith and obedience. They were instructed to gather only what they needed for the day (except on the day before the Sabbath), and to trust that God would provide again tomorrow.
A Symbolic Foreshadowing: Some interpret the manna as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the "bread of life" who sustains spiritual life.
The verse is a pivotal moment in the Exodus story, establishing a pattern of God's miraculous intervention and the Israelites' dependence on Him for survival. It also underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision, even when the circumstances are uncertain.