Exodus 16:7 - and in the morning, then you shall see Yahweh’s glory; because he hears your murmurings against Yahweh. Who are we, that you murmur against us?”

Generated Verse: Exodus 16:7

What does "Exodus 16:7" mean?


Exodus 16:7 is a pivotal verse in the story of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:

Context: The Israelites are complaining about their hunger in the desert. They are literally murmuring (grumbling, complaining) against Moses and Aaron. They are wishing they were back in Egypt, where they had food, even though they were slaves.

"And in the morning, then you shall see Yahweh’s glory...": This is a promise and a warning. In the morning, God will manifest his glory. This manifestation is typically understood as God providing for their needs (manna and quail). It's a display of his power and care.

"...because he hears your murmurings against Yahweh.": This is crucial. The complaints are not just against Moses and Aaron. God is making it clear that he is the target of their complaints. He hears them, and their grumbling is a sign of their lack of trust in him.

"Who are we, that you murmur against us?": Moses and Aaron are distancing themselves. They are servants of God. The real issue isn't with them, but with God. The question is rhetorical, emphasizing their insignificance compared to the one they are actually complaining against. They are messengers, not the source of the provision. They're basically saying, "We're just following God's instructions. Your complaints are really directed at Him."

In essence, the verse means:

God is aware of their complaints. He is not oblivious to their suffering, but he is also aware of their attitude.
Their complaints are ultimately against God, not just Moses and Aaron. They are doubting God's ability and willingness to provide for them.
God will demonstrate his power and provision to them. He will show them that he is able to care for them, despite the difficult circumstances.
Moses and Aaron are emphasizing that they are just intermediaries. The people's faith and trust should be in God.

Significance:

This verse highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, especially in times of hardship. It shows that complaining without trust can be seen as a rejection of God's power and provision. It also reinforces the role of leaders as servants of God, guiding people to a relationship with Him.