Bible study: God provides for His people

Exodus 16:11–19; 17:1–6

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Our focal passage blends the people’s complaints and God’s provision and action. The Israelites’ complaints highlight God’s response to His people’s needs and their crying out for help. God led the Hebrews out of Egypt, yet they were experiencing doubt about God bringing them into the land of promise. But God would bring them.

Provision (16:11–15)

The Hebrews had faith to follow God’s directions in their exodus from Egypt, but they experienced doubt and expressed those doubts through grumbling or murmuring. “Grumbling” or “murmuring” is a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone. Complaints often began with the words of a single individual and then spread throughout the minds of the people. In response to the complaints, God promised to provide meat and bread, or manna. The term “manna” means “What is it?” The Hebrews had never seen manna. Likely, God provided manna for this historic occasion only.

God also provided enough quail to cover the encampment of the Hebrews. Exodus 12:37 estimates that 600,000 men, plus women and children, left Egypt during the Exodus. How could that many Hebrews live off the land in the desert wilderness? But God promised to provide meat and bread until the Hebrews were full. Then the Hebrews should know that “I am the Lord your God.” After God’s mighty deliverance through the crossing of the Red Sea, one wonders why they questioned God’s provision. However, there is not much difference between the Hebrews and us.

What are some things that are easy to complain about? What do you do when you catch yourself complaining?

Instruction (16–19)

God gave instructions about gathering the manna and quail. He prohibited hoarding the food. He even placed restrictions on the amount of manna each individual Hebrew could gather per day — about three pounds. Moreover, God prohibited them to keep leftovers. The people did not listen. Some hoarded manna for the next morning, but worms infested the manna, resulting in a stinky diet. Moses was angry with the people for their failure to follow God’s instructions. How does our obedience to God’s instructions display our trust in Him?

Further provision (17:1–6)

God’s people left the Desert of Sin and wandered from place to place as God directed them. The name of the desert does not imply that the location was sinful. It was just a barren region west of Sinai.

The people complained about the lack of water. Moses realized that the people were complaining against his leadership and were also testing God. Rather than testing God, people are to obey God. Perhaps you can recall a specific geographical place where you sinned against God.

Our sin affects other people. Moses feared for his life, believing that the people might stone him. God commanded Moses to carry the staff with which he struck the Nile. God reassured Moses with His presence at the rock of Horeb. When Moses struck the rock with his staff, drinking water flowed from the rock. How have you seen God’s provision displayed recently?

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This lesson was written by Mark Rathel, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Explore the Bible curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.