Exodus 16:30 - So the people rested on the seventh day.

Generated Verse: Exodus 16:30

What does "Exodus 16:30" mean?


The verse "So the people rested on the seventh day" (Exodus 16:30) means exactly what it says: the Israelites ceased from work on the seventh day.

Here's a breakdown of what that signifies within the context of Exodus 16:

Context of Exodus 16: This chapter describes the Israelites' journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. They were hungry, and God miraculously provided them with manna (a bread-like substance) to eat.

God's Command Regarding Manna: God gave specific instructions about collecting the manna:
Collect only what you need for that day (except on the sixth day).
On the sixth day, collect twice as much, because there would be no manna on the seventh day.
The manna would spoil overnight if kept until morning, except for what was collected on the sixth day to be eaten on the seventh.

The Seventh Day: A Day of Rest: This chapter is the first formal institution of the Sabbath (a day of rest) in the Bible. The seventh day was designated by God as a day to abstain from work. The manna was withheld as a sign and proof of God's provision and to allow the people to rest and focus on Him.

Obedience and Rest: By resting on the seventh day, the people were demonstrating their obedience to God's command. They were trusting that God would provide for them, even though they weren't actively working to gather food. The rest was not simply a physical break, but a spiritual act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision.

In essence, "So the people rested on the seventh day" marks the Israelites' first observance of the Sabbath, a day ordained by God for rest, worship, and remembrance of His provision. It establishes a pattern of rest that becomes a significant element of the covenant between God and Israel.

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