Exodus 16:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 16:6
6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:
Chapter Context
Exodus 16 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, discipleship, wisdom. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 16:6
6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:
Analysis
At even ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt—Moses promises two-fold vindication: evening meat and morning bread will prove God, not Moses, orchestrated the exodus. The Hebrew יָדַע (yada', 'to know') indicates experiential knowledge—Israel will know by tasting God's provision. The sequence (evening quail, morning manna) shows God answers even unrighteous prayers, though the quail later comes with judgment (Num 11:33). God's glory appearing 'in the morning' connects to Christ as the 'dayspring from on high' (Luke 1:78) and resurrection morning when God's glory definitively appeared.
Historical Context
Moses speaks prophetically, as neither quail nor manna had yet appeared. His confidence rests entirely on God's promise, modeling the faith Israel should have shown.
Reflection
- How does God's provision of even unrighteous requests reveal His patience with our immaturity?
- What does 'knowing experientially' through provision teach about faith versus mere intellectual assent?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 6:7, Numbers 16:28, 16:30