Exodus 16:1-12

Murmuring for Food Rebuked

Exodus 16:1

Moses made a double promise to the Israelites in God's name. In the evening they were to have flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full. But before these gifts could be received, notice must be taken of their conduct toward the two brothers, whose authority had been impugned by the events of the morning. Hence the appearance of the divine glory in the cloud, Exodus 16:10. After this a vast flight of quails, a migratory bird which often crosses the Red Sea at this very spot, fell to the ground in the near neighborhood of the Hebrew camp, and lay there in an exhausted condition, which allowed of their being captured by the hand. How striking are those words: “The Lord heareth your murmurings!” We should remember them, when next we are tempted to doubt God's love and to complain of His dealings with us. Let God's faithful servants take courage; He will vindicate them.