Exodus 16:7
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?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Moses clarifies that their grumbling isn't really against him and Aaron, but against God himself. He's basically saying, "Look, we're just messengers, and you're actually complaining about the One who brought you out of Egypt."
The Israelites have just arrived in the wilderness of Sin after leaving Elim, and their food supplies are running out, causing them to grumble against Moses and Aaron. God hears their complaints and promises to provide food, first with quail in the evening and then with manna from heaven in the morning. Moses declares that their complaints are not really against him and Aaron, but against the LORD Himself, who brought them out of Egypt.
Israel is hungry and complaining. Moses tells them they will 'see the glory of the LORD' in the morning. What does this mean, and how does God's glory appear when we're just trying to get by?
The people are desperate, missing Egypt's abundance and fearing starvation in the wilderness. Moses' response isn't to simply scold them, but to point them toward a future revelation.
Divine Revelation Through Daily Needs
When Moses says, 'in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD,' he's pointing to an undeniable act of God's power and presence. This isn't just about a dazzling display, but about God meeting their most basic need – food. The manna, which will appear in the morning, is the tangible evidence of God's faithfulness, even when His people are complaining.
This shows us that God's glory isn't only seen in grand miracles on mountaintops, but can also be revealed in the consistent, reliable provision for our daily lives. When we have enough to eat, when we have shelter, when our needs are met – these are moments to recognize God's glory at work.
The Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron. But Moses says their complaints are really aimed at God. How can complaining about people actually be complaining against the Almighty?
Moses is sharp here: 'What are we, that you grumble against us?' He redirects their focus immediately. Their complaints about their leaders are misplaced; their real issue is with the God who appointed those leaders and brought them out of Egypt.
The Real Target of Discontent
When we complain about those in authority – whether in government, the church, or even our families – and our complaints stem from a deeper dissatisfaction with our circumstances or God's plan, we're essentially grumbling against God Himself.
Moses and Aaron were God's chosen instruments. To rail against them was to reject God's leadership and His provision. This verse is a powerful reminder that our discontent often reveals a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we think we're just airing legitimate grievances about people.
Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the heavy, dense, or impressive nature of God. It signifies His presence, authority, splendor, and the manifestation of His divine attributes to humanity.
lun · Hebrew Verb
To complain, murmur, or express dissatisfaction, often with a sense of rebellion or lack of trust in God's providence. It implies a heart of ingratitude and a questioning of God's leadership.
This verse arises from a moment of acute crisis and disillusionment for the Israelites just weeks after their miraculous liberation. Their grumbling isn't just about food; it's a deep-seated rebellion against God and His appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron, revealing a profound lack of trust in the One who saved them.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Exits Egypt
After centuries of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses and Aaron, are miraculously delivered from Egypt by God's mighty acts.
c. 1446 BC
Journey into the Wilderness
The Israelites begin their journey towards the Promised Land, initially traveling from Egypt through the Red Sea and into the desert.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Arrival in the Wilderness of Sin
After leaving the oasis of Elim, the Israelites arrive in the Wilderness of Sin, located between Elim and Mount Sinai, and their provisions begin to run low.
c. 1446 BC
Grumbling Over Food
Facing hunger and hardship, the Israelites complain bitterly to Moses and Aaron, longing for the food they had in Egypt, and questioning God's deliverance.
This passage calls the manna 'spiritual food,' highlighting its deeper significance as a type of Christ, which parallels the idea in Exodus that God's glory is seen in His provision for His people.
Numbers 16:11This verse shows a similar situation where the people murmur against Moses and Aaron, and Moses redirects their complaints, stating, 'it is against the LORD that you and your associates are grumbling.' This emphasizes that grumbling against leaders is ultimately grumbling against God.
Psalm 78:24The psalmist refers to the manna as 'grain of heaven' and 'bread from heaven,' echoing the miraculous provision described in Exodus and underscoring the divine glory displayed in God's sustenance of His people.
John 6:31Jesus directly references the manna in the wilderness, calling it 'bread from heaven,' which helps us understand that God's provision, like the manna, points to a greater spiritual reality and His glory.
Hebrews 1:3This verse describes Jesus as the 'radiance of God's glory,' connecting the concept of God's glory being manifested through a divine agent, much like the glory of the Lord appearing through His actions and presence for Israel in Exodus.
clarkeExodus 16:7: "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?"
Ye shall see the glory of the Lord - Does it not appear that the glory of the Lord is here spoken of as something distinct from the Lord? for it is said He (the glory) heareth your murmurings against the Lord; though the Lord may be here put for himself, the antecedent instead of the relative. This passage may receive some…
bensonExodus 16:7: "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?"
Exodus 16:7-9 . Ye shall see the glory of the Lord — Either this glorious work of God in giving you bread from heaven, or rather the glorious appearance of God in the cloud, as is mentioned in Exodus 16:10 . Come near before the Lord — Before the cloudy pillar, where God was especially present.
Moses clarifies that their grumbling isn't really against him and Aaron, but against God himself. He's basically saying, "Look, we're just messengers, and you're actually complaining about the One who brought you out of Egypt."
The Israelites have just arrived in the wilderness of Sin after leaving Elim, and their food supplies are running out, causing them to grumble against Moses and Aaron. God hears their complaints and promises to provide food, first with quail in the evening and then with manna from heaven in the morning. Moses declares that their complaints are not really against him and Aaron, but against the LORD Himself, who brought them out of Egypt.
The Israelites have just arrived in the wilderness of Sin after leaving Elim, and their food supplies are running out, causing them to grumble against Moses and Aaron. God hears their complaints and promises to provide food, first with quail in the evening and then with manna from heaven in the morning. Moses declares that their complaints are not really against him and Aaron, but against the LORD Himself, who brought them out of Egypt.
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c. 1446 BC
God Promises Manna and Quail
In response to their grumbling, God tells Moses He will provide food: quail in the evening and bread from heaven (manna) in the morning, to test their obedience.
"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?”" — Moses clarifies that their grumbling isn't really against him and Aaron, but against God himself. He's basically saying, "Look, we're just messengers, and you're actually complaining about the One wh…
