It's amazing how hunger can really reduce you, isn't it? The Israelites had been groaning under Pharaoh's hand, pining to be free of their slavery. Now they are hungry, and perfectly willing to go back to that slavery in order to be fed. Here, God uses the opportunity to both teach and provide: teach, that the Israelites might have faith and understand that God is not one to leave them on their own, He is faithful; provide, in order that hte Israelites would be perfectly dependent upon Him for all their needs. When you read Deuteronomy, it shows how God sustained the manna and the quail for them throughout 40 years of wandering between Egypt and the Promised Land; and not only food, but their clothes never wore out! But this was also a time of testing: they had to obey God's instructions. He told them to gather no more than they needed for the day, only on the sixth day keep some in reserve. Already, the Lord was setting a precedence for the Sabbath. When some ventured out on the seventh day to gather, God immediately set forth strictures: it was imperative the Israelites obey God's Word! If they couldn't do it now, by simply refraining from gathering manna on the seventh day, then how would they keep the whole of His Law in order to fulfill the covenant? That covenant is what the entire Old Testament rests upon: keep God's commandments, and Israel would prosper. If they didn't, God would discipline them and they would experience difficult times, all with the end in view that they would return to God where they belonged. God is already preparing them when He gives them orders now. How will they fare?
Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 17:8-18:27
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