Exodus 16:20 – “However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 16:20 describes the consequences of disobeying God’s instructions regarding the manna. Despite the clear command given through Moses not to keep any of the manna until the next morning, some of the Israelites ignored this instruction and tried to store it overnight. The result was that the manna spoiled, becoming infested with maggots and producing a foul smell. This act of disobedience led to Moses becoming angry with those who had disregarded God’s command.

The spoiling of the manna was a physical reminder that God’s instructions were not arbitrary but were designed for the well-being of the Israelites. By trying to save the manna, these individuals demonstrated a lack of trust in God’s promise to provide for them daily. The spoilage of the manna served as a tangible consequence, teaching the Israelites the importance of obedience and trust in God’s provision.

Historical Context

The Israelites were on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, having been freed from slavery but now facing the challenges of life in the wilderness. God provided manna as their daily food, with specific instructions on how it was to be gathered and consumed. The command not to keep the manna overnight was part of a broader lesson in dependence on God. The Israelites had to learn to trust that God would provide fresh manna each day and that there was no need to hoard or attempt to secure their own future by disobeying His instructions.

This period in Israel’s history was a time of testing and learning. The Israelites were transitioning from a life of slavery, where their daily provision came from their Egyptian masters, to a life of freedom, where they had to rely on God for everything. The manna was both a gift and a test, helping them develop the faith and trust needed to live as God’s chosen people.

Theological Implications

Exodus 16:20 underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God. The spoiling of the manna illustrates that God’s commands are given for a reason and that disobedience leads to undesirable consequences. This incident teaches that God’s provision is sufficient for each day and that trying to take matters into our own hands—out of fear or mistrust—leads to failure.

Theologically, this verse also highlights the concept of daily dependence on God. Just as the Israelites were to rely on God for their daily bread, Christians are called to trust God for their daily needs, both physical and spiritual. This trust is a key element of a healthy relationship with God, where His provision is accepted with faith and gratitude, and His commands are followed out of love and trust.

Literary Analysis

The verse is structured to show the cause and effect of disobedience. The first part of the verse describes the actions of those who disobeyed: they kept part of the manna until morning. The second part of the verse reveals the consequences: the manna became infested and smelled bad. The final part of the verse adds Moses’ reaction, highlighting the seriousness of the disobedience.

The vivid imagery of maggots and foul smells serves to emphasize the immediate and unpleasant consequences of ignoring God’s instructions. This imagery is designed to be memorable, reinforcing the lesson that God’s commands should not be taken lightly.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 6:19-21: Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. This parallels the idea of not hoarding manna, trusting instead in God’s provision.
• James 1:22-25: James encourages believers to be doers of the word and not hearers only, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s instructions, similar to the lesson learned by the Israelites.
• Proverbs 3:5-6: This passage encourages trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, reflecting the same principle of trust and obedience that the Israelites were learning in the wilderness.

Application for Today’s Christians

For today’s Christians, Exodus 16:20 is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s daily provision and following His instructions. It challenges us to consider areas in our lives where we might be trying to take control out of fear or lack of trust, rather than relying on God’s timing and provision. The spoiling of the manna teaches us that disobedience leads to negative consequences, and that God’s way is always the best way.

This verse also encourages us to live in the present, trusting that God will provide for our needs each day. Instead of worrying about the future or trying to secure it on our own terms, we are called to place our trust in God’s faithfulness and to follow His guidance with confidence.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 16:20 reveals God’s love in the way He teaches His people to trust Him. The spoilage of the manna was not just a punishment, but a lesson designed to help the Israelites grow in their faith and reliance on God. By allowing the manna to spoil, God was lovingly guiding His people toward a deeper understanding of His care and provision.

God’s love is also seen in His patience. Despite the Israelites’ disobedience, God continued to provide manna for them each day, giving them repeated opportunities to learn and grow in their trust. This reflects a God who is not quick to anger but who is patient and committed to nurturing His people’s faith.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ in its emphasis on daily dependence on God. Jesus, in teaching His disciples to pray for their daily bread (Matthew 6:11), echoed the lesson of the manna. He also declared Himself to be the “bread of life” (John 6:35), indicating that just as the Israelites depended on manna for physical sustenance, we are to depend on Him for spiritual sustenance.

Jesus’ life and teachings further reinforce the importance of obedience to God. He modeled perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), demonstrating that true life comes from trusting and following God’s will.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s provision in your own life? Are there areas where you struggle with obedience or with trying to control your circumstances?
2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of following God’s instructions, even when they might seem unnecessary or difficult?
3. How can you apply the lesson of daily dependence on God to your life, particularly in areas where you are tempted to worry about the future?
4. In what ways does Jesus, as the bread of life, fulfill the principle of daily reliance on God seen in the manna? How does this impact your relationship with Him?
5. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God’s daily provision and respond with trust, gratitude, and obedience?

This article invites readers to reflect on their trust in God’s provision and the importance of obedience. It challenges believers to embrace the lessons of daily dependence on God, recognizing that His commands are given out of love and are designed to lead us into a deeper, more trusting relationship with Him.