Exodus 16:28 Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?
The first thing that comes to mind about verse 28 is that God’s yelling at Moses because the Israelites aren’t behaving, which feels grossly unfair. It’s a knee-jerk reaction on my part to be sure. Moses is the leader of the Israelites, and he did tell God no several times even before he said yes.
Exodus 16:29 Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where they are on the seventh day; no one is to go out.”
The second thing that snags my attention is verse 30. I wonder what that rest looked like for the Israelites. Were they able to “Be still and know” that God is God (Ps 46:10)? Was it a forced stillness where they had to continually reign in their errant thoughts? Were they able to relax, focus on, and praise God on the seventh day?
Exodus 16:30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the thoughts and questions that come to me as I read Your word. Each day, help me to learn more about who You are, who You are to me, and who I am to You. Help me to draw closer, to shine Your light, to be still and know You are God. Always. amen.
Exodus 16:31 The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.
Have a blessed day.