Exodus 16:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us?"

NIV: and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?"

NASB: and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us?'

CSB: and in the morning you will see the Lord’s glory because he has heard your complaints about him. For who are we that you complain about us?"

NLT: In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?'

KJV: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

NKJV: And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord; for He hears your complaints against the Lord. But what are we, that you complain against us?”

Despite seeing God's powerful care for the nation of Israel (Exodus 3:19–20; 12:40–41; 14:21–28), the people constantly lean towards pessimism and despair (Exodus 14:11–12; 15:24). They are often said to "grumble," as translated from a variety of related words. These all come from shared roots in Hebrew, which imply a discontent, stubborn, faithless sort of complaining.

Recently, the people criticized Moses and Aaron in this way (Exodus 16:2–3). The popular concern was about food, which is a valid worry—but their attitude was unfair. Moses and Aaron explain that the Lord plans to demonstrate His power and love for Israel (Exodus 16:6). This will display God's glory for all to see. Scripture uses the Hebrew phrase kebod' YHWH, meaning the Lord's magnificence, renown, and power.

God has heard their complaints. At the same time, God is unhappy at how Israel has turned their unhappiness against Moses and Aaron. These are His uniquely appointed spokesmen (Exodus 4:13–16). They have proven to be faithful messengers of God (Exodus 14:31). To complain so shallowly against them is effectively a criticism of the Lord (Exodus 16:8).

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.