Exodus 16:23 - He said to them, “This is that which Yahweh has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’”

Generated Verse: Exodus 16:23

What does "Exodus 16:23" mean?


Exodus 16:23 is a crucial verse in understanding the institution of the Sabbath in the Old Testament. Let's break down its meaning:

"He said to them, ‘This is that which Yahweh has spoken..." This establishes the context that the instructions are not Moses's own ideas but come directly from God (Yahweh). This emphasizes the divine authority behind the upcoming Sabbath observance.

"...‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh." This explicitly declares that the following day will be a special day of rest dedicated to God. The words "solemn rest" and "holy Sabbath" underscore the sacred nature of the day. It's not just a day off; it's a day consecrated to Yahweh.

"Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil..." This provides practical instructions for preparing food before the Sabbath. They are allowed to do all the cooking and preparation necessary on the day before the Sabbath. The verse implies that cooking would be prohibited on the Sabbath itself.

"...and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’” This addresses what to do with any leftovers. They are instructed to save the cooked food until the next day (the Sabbath), which reinforces the prohibition against cooking or preparing food on the Sabbath. It highlights that the miraculous manna (which spoiled overnight on other days) would be miraculously preserved on the Sabbath if prepared the day before.

Key Implications and Interpretations:

Origin of the Sabbath: This passage is often seen as one of the foundational passages establishing the Sabbath commandment in the Old Testament. While the Sabbath is later codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), this verse shows its early practice.

Divine Rest and Worship: The Sabbath is not just about physical rest. It's a day dedicated to God, implying worship, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Prohibition of Work on the Sabbath: The instructions about preparing food beforehand clearly suggest a prohibition against working on the Sabbath. This would include any activity considered work, including cooking.

Trust in God's Provision: The command to keep the leftovers until the next day implies a trust in God's provision. They have to trust that the food will be miraculously preserved.

Manna and the Sabbath: This verse is closely tied to the context of the manna. God provided manna for six days and none on the seventh, demonstrating his sovereignty over creation and reinforcing the need for rest and trust in his provision.

In essence, Exodus 16:23 is a key verse in establishing the Sabbath as a divinely ordained day of rest, worship, and trust in God's provision. It demonstrates the importance of preparing for the Sabbath in advance and refraining from work on that holy day.

What categories does "Exodus 16:23" have?