Exodus chapters 15 and 16 tell of the recently freed Jewish people grumbling at Moses, Aaron, and the Lord because they have little to eat and drink. After crossing the Red Sea, they traveled into the wilderness.

At Marah, the water was bitter, and then at Elim they found 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees. We also learn in Exodus that God provided the Jewish people with quail and manna from heaven. That evening, quail covered their camp, and the next morning dew formed and, when it lifted, it left behind manna, or bread from heaven.

Exodus Chapters 15 and 16 Summary

These two chapters of Exodus begin with the Jewish people singing a song to the Lord. That song is almost all of chapter 15. The people were happy because God freed them from bondage and defeated the Egyptians in the sea. They saw the bodies of the Egyptians on the shore of the Red Sea.

It did not take long for the Jewish people to grumble against Moses, Aaron, and God. They struggled with bitter water and a lack of food, but God provided for them. That evening, quail overran the Israelite camp. Then, in the morning, dew formed, and when it lifted, there was bread from heaven on the ground. The Jewish people called it manna.

This was the first time, on their journey, that the Jews complained to Moses. Unfortunately, it would not be the last time. Why, after He freed them from slavery so they could worship Him, did the Jewish people grumble against God? Exodus demonstrates to us that we can be fickle in our faith, and that God will forgive, and even bless, us.

Devotionals & Expressions of Faith

Most of chapter 15 deals with a song of thanksgiving from the Jewish people to God. The song is quite beautiful and a clear expression of faith. Moses is also clearly devoted to God, with whom he speaks throughout these chapters. His brother, Aaron, too, is very faithful, as he is Moses’s partner in talking to God and “managing” the Jewish people.

Symbolism & Meaning

There is one very important symbol in chapter 16 of the book of Exodus. The fact that the Israelites were fed with bread from heaven has been seen by many Christians as a foreshadowing of what happens at every Mass and Christian church service, where believers receive the bread of life.

Cultural Impact

The story of the manna from heaven is well known to just about everyone. Therefore, chapter 16 of the book of Exodus has had a great cultural impact. Less well known is that the Lord also provided the Jewish people with water, from springs, and meat, from quail that overran their camp.

Modern Relevance

The story of God providing Manna from heaven to feed the recently freed Israelites is of modern significance. It is so because God says he heard the prayers of the Israelites and is answering them.

Frequently Asked Questions

The topic of these chapters of Exodus is, first, the recently freed Jewish slaves singing praise to the Lord. Then they turn on Him because they run out of food and water. So, they complained to Moses, Aaron, and God that they should have died as slaves in Egypt, saying at least they were fed.

First, they camp in the wilderness at Marah and then at Elim, where there are 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees. Later, in the wilderness of Sin, quail overran their camp in the evening, and the morning dew the next day turned into bread, which they called manna.

This story is honored across many faith traditions because it is a story of answered prayers and forgiveness. The Jewish people complain, and God hears their complaints and answers their prayers. This is very appealing. It is also relevant today. We all want God to hear our prayers and answer them.

Conclusion

The fact that God heard the prayers of the Israelites and answered them is important. We all want God to answer our prayers, and here is an example. Also noteworthy is how quickly the Israelites went from praising God to complaining to Him. Unfortunately, this is a pattern that will repeat itself in subsequent chapters of the book of Exodus.

Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of Exodus as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of biblical texts can differ, and this piece represents one approach to understanding the passage.