Exodus 16 11

Exodus 16:11 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 16:11 nkjv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Exodus 16:11 niv

The LORD said to Moses,

Exodus 16:11 esv

And the LORD said to Moses,

Exodus 16:11 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses,

Exodus 16 verses

Exodus 16 11 Meaning

Exodus 16:11 signifies the commencement of God’s direct communication to Moses concerning the immediate provision of food for the grumbling Israelites in the Wilderness of Sin. It acts as an introductory statement, affirming divine authority and Moses's pivotal role as the mediator of God's word, preceding the specific instructions for manna and quail. This verse underscores God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the needs of His people, even amidst their discontent.

Exodus 16 11 Context

Exodus chapter 16 unfolds approximately two months after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, following their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and their subsequent journey into the Wilderness of Sin, located between Elim and Sinai. Despite witnessing God's powerful deliverance and provision of water, the vast assembly of people begins to murmur and complain against Moses and Aaron, specifically lamenting the lack of food and wishing they had died in Egypt where they had meat and bread. They feel starved and helpless in the desolate wilderness. Exodus 16:11 immediately follows their bitter complaints, marking the pivotal moment when God directly intervenes to address their desperate situation, setting the stage for the miraculous daily provision of manna and quail. This divine initiative not only provides sustenance but also serves as a test of obedience regarding the Sabbath and gathering instructions, and as a powerful lesson in dependence on God.

Exodus 16 11 Word analysis

• And (וַ - wa-): A conjunctive prefix, often translated "and." It links this divine address to the preceding narrative, specifically to the Israelites' complaints (Exod 16:2-3) and Moses and Aaron's response (Exod 16:6-8), indicating that God's speech is a direct response to the unfolding situation.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH, Yahweh): This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Its presence here emphasizes that it is the very God who delivered them from Egypt, who made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is now speaking and acting on behalf of His people.
• spake (וַיְדַבֵּר - Vaydabber, a Qal Imperfect/Waw-conversive of דָּבַר - davar): The Hebrew verb davar denotes a powerful, deliberate, and authoritative speaking, not merely a casual utterance. When applied to God, it signifies a decisive pronouncement, a word of command, or a definitive statement of intent, as opposed to passive observation. This verb is frequently used for God's direct revelation to His prophets or leaders.
• unto Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - 'el-Moshe): "Unto" ('el) indicates direction or proximity. It clearly specifies Moses as the immediate recipient and the primary channel of God's revelation to the people. This reiterates Moses' unique role as the divinely appointed mediator between God and Israel, underscoring the necessity of human leadership for divine communication.
• saying (לֵּאמֹר - lemor): This is a infinitive construct of the verb אָמַר (amar), often translated as "saying" or "to say." It signals that the direct words of God's message are immediately following. It emphasizes the commencement of quoted speech, making clear that what follows is the very declaration from God Himself, often a direct command or promise.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And the LORD spake": This common narrative opening for divine speech establishes immediate divine authority and initiative. It shows that God is not silent or passive; He is actively engaged with His creation and, specifically, with His covenant people, responding to their plight. This phrase signals a significant divine intervention.
• "unto Moses, saying": This phrase highlights Moses' unique mediatorial position. It’s through him that God chooses to reveal His will and intentions to Israel. This divine preference for communication through a human agent reinforces Moses' legitimacy as their leader and the gravity of the message he is about to convey from God. It's a standard formula for prophetic revelation, asserting divine origin and Moses' faithfulness as a recipient and conveyor of that message.

Exodus 16 11 Bonus section

• The structure "And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying..." (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל-מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר) is a recurring, almost formulaic expression in the Pentateuch (occurring over 100 times, especially in Leviticus and Numbers). This literary device emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message that follows, serving as an important authenticating stamp on the laws, commands, and narratives being conveyed through Moses. It assures the audience that these are not merely human insights or political strategies, but the very words of God Himself.
• This verse precedes the detailed instructions for gathering manna (daily, except double on the sixth day for Sabbath) which served not just as food but also as a test of obedience and a demonstration of God's desire for His people's discipline and trust in His precise provisions. This immediate address to Moses signifies the importance of not only provision but also the conditions and spiritual lessons attached to it.
• The fact that God responds to complaints rather than immediate punishment demonstrates His patience and long-suffering towards His often-rebellious people. While their murmuring was serious (a questioning of His very leadership and faithfulness, see Exod 16:8), God prioritizes their physical needs before addressing their spiritual deficiencies in full. This reflects God's fatherly care.

Exodus 16 11 Commentary

Exodus 16:11 functions as the crucial divine response to Israel's escalating complaints about lack of food in the Wilderness of Sin. This verse is terse yet potent, marking a transition from human grumbling to divine provision. The emphasis on "the LORD" (YHWH) speaking underscores His covenant faithfulness; despite their lack of trust and open complaining, the self-existent God who delivered them from Egypt remains committed to caring for His people. His decision to "speak unto Moses, saying" highlights Moses' irreplaceable role as mediator and confirms that the impending miracle of manna and quail is not a random occurrence but a direct, deliberate act of divine providence initiated through His chosen servant. It's a testament to God's attentive ear and merciful heart, choosing to answer Israel's complaints with provision rather than condemnation, laying the groundwork for a period of absolute dependence on His daily sustaining grace. This encounter set the stage for one of the most enduring object lessons in trust and obedience in the Old Testament.