Exodus 16:28 - Yahweh said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?

Generated Verse: Exodus 16:28

What does "Exodus 16:28" mean?


This verse from Exodus 16:28, "Yahweh said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?", is a rebuke directed at the Israelites, not Moses himself. It expresses God's frustration with their disobedience and lack of trust shortly after their liberation from Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

Yahweh: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. Its use emphasizes the seriousness and authority of the speaker.

Said to Moses: God speaks to Moses as the leader and representative of the Israelites. While the rebuke is directed at the people, it is Moses who is responsible for relaying God's message and ensuring their adherence to God's laws.

"How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?": This is the core of the verse.

"How long...": This signifies God's impatience and frustration. He had already shown them immense grace by delivering them from slavery, yet their obedience was wavering.
"Do you refuse...": The use of the word "refuse" suggests a deliberate choice to disobey, not just a misunderstanding or accidental transgression. It implies a willful disregard for God's instructions.
"To keep my commandments and my laws?": This refers specifically to the commandment about gathering manna. In Exodus 16, God had miraculously provided manna (a bread-like substance) for the Israelites to eat. He instructed them to gather only what they needed for each day, except on the sixth day when they should gather a double portion to cover the Sabbath (the day of rest) because no manna would be provided on that day.
The Israelites, however, disobeyed by:
Gathering more than they needed on a daily basis (some kept it overnight, and it bred worms and stank).
Going out to gather manna on the Sabbath despite God's instruction to rest.

This verse highlights their failure to trust God's provision and to observe the Sabbath, demonstrating a broader lack of respect for His commands.

In essence, this verse is a reprimand that underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God's guidance, especially after He has shown them great favor. It also serves as a reminder that true freedom involves not only physical liberation but also the acceptance of moral and spiritual responsibility. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the Israelites' actions.

What categories does "Exodus 16:28" have?