“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.”– Exodus 16:23 (KJV)
“He told them, ‘This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. Bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Then all that is left, put aside until morning.'” – Exodus 16:23 (NLT)
“He said, ‘This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow is a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save the leftovers until morning.'” – Exodus 16:23 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 16:23 Mean?
Exodus 16:23 is a significant verse in the Old Testament that highlights the importance of rest and the observance of the Sabbath. In this verse, God instructs the Israelites while they are wandering in the wilderness. After providing them with manna, a miraculous bread from heaven, God emphasizes that the seventh day, the Sabbath, is a day of complete rest. This command helps us reflect on the value of taking breaks in our busy lives, allowing ourselves time to rejuvenate spiritually and physically.
The idea of a day of rest is rooted in the creation story found in Genesis. After six days of creating the world, God rested on the seventh day, making it holy (Genesis 2:2-3). By establishing the Sabbath, God wants us to remember that we are not meant to work continuously and that we have a divine right to rest. This verse reminds us to also prepare for the Sabbath by cooking and gathering what we need the day before, ensuring that we honor this sacred time without distractions.
Exodus 16:23 Explanation and Commentary
The instructions given in Exodus 16:23 carry with them a powerful message about preparation and the sanctity of rest. The Israelites, who had been slaves in Egypt, were now learning to trust God and to follow His commands. By stating that the next day would be a Sabbath, God was teaching them a rhythm of work and rest. This is crucial for us as well, as we might find ourselves caught in a cycle of relentless work, forgetting to take time for ourselves and the spiritual aspects of our lives.
God’s provision of manna represented not just physical sustenance but a deeper spiritual nourishment. It was a reminder of God’s care and faithfulness. When the Israelites were told to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day, it illustrated the significance of being prepared. The act of storing away food specifically for the Sabbath would help cultivate a sense of intentionality and respect for God’s instruction.
This command also plays into God’s desire for His people to rest the same way He rested after creation. It teaches us that work is essential, but so is the acknowledgment of our limits. Just like the Israelites, we need to pause our everyday hustle to reconnect with God, recharge our energy, and reflect on our spiritual journey.
When we look at this verse, we see a church community’s role come into play. It encourages us to support one another in honoring the Sabbath. By preparing and resting collectively, we affirm our commitment to God’s command. As a community, we can share meals, gather for worship, and create an atmosphere of peace. This verse is an invitation to unite in purpose and foster stronger connections among ourselves with God at the center.
Context of Exodus 16:23
To fully understand Exodus 16:23, we must look at the events leading up to this instruction. The Israelites had been freed from slavery in Egypt and were now wandering in the desert. During their journey, they faced numerous challenges, including hunger and thirst. God saw their struggles and provided them with manna and quail, demonstrating His care for their needs (Exodus 16:4-12).
By instituting the Sabbath, God was creating ceremonial laws that set the Israelites apart from other nations. Observing the Sabbath was more than just resting; it served as a sign of their covenant relationship with God. Each week, through rest, they would remember their deliverance from Egypt and God’s unending loyalty to His promises.
This context enriches our understanding of Exodus 16:23. It is not merely a recommendation but a direct command woven into the fabric of the Israelites’ identity. By honoring the Sabbath, they acknowledged their dependence on God and His provision, which is a central theme throughout the entire book of Exodus.
The command to rest carries forward through biblical history, ultimately leading to Jesus’ teachings on the Sabbath. He emphasizes mercy, love, and a relationship with God over rigid rules (Mark 2:27-28). This context shows that the principle of the Sabbath transcends the law itself; it calls us to a deeper understanding of rest in our relationship with God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 16:23
When we break down Exodus 16:23, several key elements stand out that further illustrate its significance. The first important phrase is “This is what the Lord commanded.” This signifies authority and divine instruction; God himself is providing these guidelines. The second part highlights “Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest.” This indicates the totality of rest expected on the Sabbath. No work should be done; instead, it should be a day dedicated to worship and a connection with God.
The next phrase instructs, “Bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil.” This guidance gives practical advice for the preparation of meals in anticipation of the Sabbath. God wants His people to enjoy the food He graciously provides, but He also sets the precedent that on this day, they should not labor burdensomely to prepare. The simple act of cooking the day before reflects a beautiful balance of planning and trust in God’s provision.
Finally, the instruction to “save the leftovers until morning” signifies resourcefulness and stewardship. It’s a reminder that we should not waste what God has provided. This aspect of the verse encourages us to think intentionally about our resources. When we save leftovers, we acknowledge the bounty and express gratitude instead of taking what we have for granted.
In honoring these parts of Exodus 16:23, we not only abide by God’s commandments but learn valuable lessons about preparation, respect, and gratitude. God’s wisdom binds these lessons tightly, teaching us to align our hearts and actions with His will.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 16:23
Exodus 16:23 is full of powerful lessons that continue to resonate with us today. One of the primary lessons is the significance of taking a break and observing rest. It teaches us that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. In various aspects of our daily lives, it can be all too easy to become overwhelmed by work, school, and responsibilities, forgetting to prioritize self-care and time spent with God. Recognizing that we need rest can help us recharge and foster a more profound connection with our faith. It reminds us that even Jesus took time to withdraw and pray (Mark 1:35).
Secondly, planning is fundamental. God’s command to prepare food the day before the Sabbath shows us the importance of being proactive. Preparing in advance can ease stress and anxiety associated with busy days ahead. As we anticipate the rest day, we can enter into it with joy instead of feeling rushed or overwhelmed by last-minute tasks. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life—whether it’s preparing for a big event, workweek, or simply a day of worship.
Another lesson is about gratitude and stewardship. By saving leftovers, we learn to cherish God’s provisions and avoid wastefulness. It encourages us to appreciate what we have been given and to approach life with a heart of thanksgiving. This mindset promotes generosity and accountability in our relationships with others and our resources.
Lastly, Exodus 16:23 instills the importance of community. Together, we can support one another in our journey to rest and honor God. Gathering with friends and family for meals or worship helps us build meaningful connections that reflect the spirit of the Sabbath. As we share our experiences and encouragement, we can grow closer to one another and to God.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Exodus 16:23 serves as a profound reminder of the sacredness of rest and the importance of family, community, and preparation in our lives. It invites us to engage in spiritual disciplines that lead to renewal and connection with others. As we honor the principles found in this verse, we create a rhythm of working and resting that helps us to deepen our understanding of God’s provision and faithfulness.
Let us embrace the lessons from Exodus 16:23, learning to prioritize rest, to prepare thoughtfully for it, and to express gratitude for the provisions we receive. We can find joy in gathering together and honoring the holy rhythm God has established for us. For more insights into biblical principles, feel free to explore other related topics, such as Genesis 17:9 or Matthew 11. May we continue to cherish rest, build community, and grow closer to God daily.