Exodus 16:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 16:25
25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Chapter Context
Exodus 16 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, judgment. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 16:25
25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Analysis
And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field—Moses' triple use of 'to day' (הַיּוֹם, hayom) emphasizes present rest, not anxious gathering. The phrase 'sabbath unto the LORD' shows this rest is theologically oriented—it's not merely day off from work but day dedicated to YHWH. The promise 'ye shall not find it' means God intentionally withholds manna on Sabbath to enforce rest. This tests whether Israel trusts yesterday's provision for today's needs. Spiritually, this pictures believers who stop striving and rest in Christ's completed work. Hebrews 4:10 applies this: 'he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works.'
Historical Context
Sabbath observance required faith that God's double provision on the sixth day would sustain them. This weekly test continued for 40 years, training Israel in rest.
Reflection
- How does God withholding provision on Sabbath teach trust rather than anxious self-provision?
- What does 'sabbath unto the LORD' reveal about rest's purpose being worship, not merely recuperation?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 16:23, 16:29
- References Moses: Nehemiah 9:14