“Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.”
Exodus 25:30
Even as their sinful appetites led God’s people to grumble against Him, God responded with mercy and care. He showered them with bread from heaven, and they would eventually call this heavenly bread “manna.” They didn’t need to look to the world for satisfaction because they could find it in the Lord.
Along with the manna, God gave careful instructions: Do not store it overnight (16:19), except on the sixth day of the week because the seventh day will be the Sabbath (vv. 22-26). These instructions would remind the people that their bread comes from God’s hand, not their own. Each day, they would wait upon Him for their sustenance, and they would rest on the seventh day, content in His provision.
But they did not abide by either of these provisions. They kept manna overnight to be sure they had some for the next day, and it spoiled. Then they ventured out on the seventh day when God had commanded them to rest. Later, they would carry the “bread of the Presence” with them wherever they went, reminding them of the Lord’s providence.
Along with the manna, God gave careful instructions: Do not store it overnight (16:19), except on the sixth day of the week because the seventh day will be the Sabbath (vv. 22-26). These instructions would remind the people that their bread comes from God’s hand, not their own. Each day, they would wait upon Him for their sustenance, and they would rest on the seventh day, content in His provision.
But they did not abide by either of these provisions. They kept manna overnight to be sure they had some for the next day, and it spoiled. Then they ventured out on the seventh day when God had commanded them to rest. Later, they would carry the “bread of the Presence” with them wherever they went, reminding them of the Lord’s providence.
Scripture Focus
Exodus 16:9-36
Insight
Remember, dear friends, that the true feast comes by His hand and not your own.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 5-7
- Psalm 3
- Matthew 5