Exodus 16:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 16:23
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Chapter Context
Exodus 16 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, discipleship, sacrifice. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 16:23
23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Analysis
This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD—Moses explains the double portion by introducing Sabbath (שַׁבָּת, shabbat, 'rest, cessation'). The definite article 'the rest' indicates a specific, known concept even before Sinai's formal commandment, linking to creation's seventh day (Gen 2:2-3). The Sabbath is 'holy' (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) and 'unto the LORD,' emphasizing its sacred character and divine ownership. The command to 'bake' and 'seethe' (boil) today for tomorrow's eating requires Sabbath preparation, teaching that rest requires forethought. This prefigures believers who rest in Christ's completed work, having prepared through faith.
Historical Context
This introduces Sabbath observance before the formal giving of the Ten Commandments at Sinai, showing rest as gift before law, grace before demand.
Reflection
- How does Sabbath as 'rest unto the LORD' differ from merely taking a day off?
- What preparation does spiritual rest require, and how does Christ's work provide it?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Holy: Exodus 31:15, Leviticus 23:3
- Parallel theme: Exodus 23:12, Luke 23:56