161 Then they set out from Elim , and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin , which is between Elim and Sinai , on the fifteenth e day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt . 2 The whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness . 3 The sons of Israel said to them, " Would e that we had died by the Lord'S hand in the land of Egypt , when we sat by the pots of meat , when we ate bread to the full ; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger ." 4 Then the Lord said to Moses , "Behold , I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day , that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction . 5 " On the sixth day , when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily ." 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel , "At evening you will know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt ; 7 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?" 8 Moses said , "This will happen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening , and bread to the full in the morning ; for the Lord hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord ." 9 Then Moses said to Aaron , "Say to all the congregation of the sons of Israel , ' Come near before the Lord , for He has heard your grumblings .' " 10 It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel , that they looked toward the wilderness , and behold , the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud . 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses , saying , 12 " I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel ; speak to them, saying , 'At twilight you shall eat meat , and in the morning you shall be filled with bread ; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God .' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 16:1-12
Commentary on Exodus 16:1-12
(Read Exodus 16:1-12)
The provisions of Israel, brought from Egypt, were spent by the middle of the second month, and they murmured. It is no new thing for the greatest kindness to be basely represented as the greatest injuries. They so far undervalue their deliverance, that they wished they had died in Egypt; and by the hand of the Lord, that is, by the plagues which cut off the Egyptians. We cannot suppose they had plenty in Egypt, nor could they fear dying for want in the wilderness, while they had flocks and herds: none talk more absurdly than murmurers. When we begin to fret, we ought to consider, that God hears all our murmurings. God promises a speedy and constant supply. He tried whether they would trust him, and rest satisfied with the bread of the day in its day. Thus he tried if they would serve him, and it appeared how ungrateful they were. When God plagued the Egyptians, it was to make them know he was their Lord; when he provided for the Israelites, it was to make them know he was their God.