Exodus 16:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And as soon as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

NIV: While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud.

NASB: And it came about, as Aaron spoke to the entire congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

CSB: As Aaron was speaking to the entire Israelite community, they turned toward the wilderness, and there in a cloud the Lord’s glory appeared.

NLT: And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud.

KJV: And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

NKJV: Now it came to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

Aaron is fulfilling his role as Moses' public speaker (Exodus 4:13–16). Israel has complained about food (Exodus 16:1–3) as if God had not proven His care through miracles and the leadership of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 16:6–8). Now the nation will hear from the Lord as He answers their unhappiness (Exodus 16:9).

Now, "the glory of the Lord" appears in a cloud. This is kebod' YHWH, referring to God's honor, reputation, and reverence. At times, God reveals this in spectacular form (Exodus 19:16–20; 33:18–23). Here, He muffles this glory inside a cloud. This may be the same "cloud" which led and protected Israel as they left Egypt (Exodus 13:21–22). Still, the text introduces the sight with a word translated as "behold!" as an exclamation of wonder.

This is one of the first mentions of an appearance by the glory of the Lord in Exodus. The people would later see His glory at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16–17), at the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35), and on the tent of meeting (Leviticus 9:6, 23; Numbers 14:10; 16:42; 20:6). The glory of the Lord later appeared at the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1) and to the shepherds who received the announcement of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:9). The great (Psalm 138:5) and eternal (Psalm 104:31) glory of the Lord will one day fill the earth (Numbers 14:21).

Exodus 16:1–12 describes how Israel left the oasis at Elim and began complaining to Moses about food. Moses takes these grievances to the Lord, who explains His response. God will provide meat and bread despite the people unfairly criticizing Moses and Aaron. This provision will remind Israel of God's position as their Lord.

As the recently-rescued Israelites (Exodus 14:21–31) journey on, they complain about food. God provides them with manna: a grain-like substance which miraculously appears each morning. The people are given instructions about how to gather and use manna. Only on the sixth day of the week can they collect more and keep leftovers for the following day. That seventh day is to be a time of rest, called a "sabbath."

Israel has celebrated (Exodus 15:1) their miraculous escape through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–28). They have survived their first hardship (Exodus 15:23–25). God now provides manna in response to their complaints about food. He also begins to establish the concept of the seventh-day Sabbath. Soon, the Lord will send another miracle regarding water (Exodus 17:1–7) and the people will have their first military battle (Exodus 17:8–16). Shortly after this, Moses' father-in-law will arrive and offer some helpful advice (Exodus 18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.