Exodus 16 23

Exodus 16:23 kjv

And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

Exodus 16:23 nkjv

Then he said to them, "This is what the LORD has said: 'Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.' "

Exodus 16:23 niv

He said to them, "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'?"

Exodus 16:23 esv

he said to them, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.'"

Exodus 16:23 nlt

He told them, "This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow."

Exodus 16 verses

Exodus 16 23 Meaning

This verse details specific instructions given by Moses, under divine command, concerning the preparation of food on the sixth day for consumption on the Sabbath. It underscores the sanctity of the Sabbath, designated as a day of complete cessation from work, including cooking and gathering, reinforcing God's provident care and the imperative of pre-preparation to honor the holy day.

Exodus 16 23 Context

Exodus chapter 16 describes the Israelites' journey through the Wilderness of Sin and their grumbling against Moses and Aaron due to lack of food. In response, the LORD promises to provide "bread from heaven" (manna) and "flesh" (quail). This chapter is pivotal as it introduces the miraculous provision of manna with a built-in rhythm that establishes the Sabbath principle before the formal giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Verse 23 details specific divine instructions on how to handle the manna collection and preparation in light of the approaching Sabbath, setting the precedent for a day of cessation from all labor, including food preparation, demonstrating God's provision for their rest.

Exodus 16 23 Word analysis

• And he said unto them: Refers to Moses, acting as God's spokesperson, emphasizing that these instructions are not human invention but divine decree, conveyed with authority.
• This is that which the LORD hath said: A direct attribution to Yahweh (יְהוָה, YHVH), the covenant name of God, affirming the ultimate authority and sacred origin of the Sabbath command. It sets the command as a direct word from God.
• To morrow is the rest: The Hebrew machar (מָחָר - tomorrow) clearly indicates the imminence of the sacred day. The term "rest" translates the Hebrew shabbaton (שַׁבָּתוֹן), which means "a solemn rest" or "a day of complete cessation" from all work. This is a stronger form of Shabbat, indicating not just rest but a sacred day of inactivity, intensified by God Himself.
• of the holy sabbath: The Hebrew word qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ) means "holiness" or "sacred." It emphasizes that the Sabbath is set apart, sanctified by God Himself, distinguishing it from all other days as divinely consecrated.
• unto the LORD: Indicates the Sabbath's owner and ultimate beneficiary. The Sabbath is not merely a day off for man, but a day dedicated to the worship, honor, and rest given by and for the LORD, establishing its theological purpose.
• bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe: "Bake" (אָפָה, 'apah) and "seethe" (בָּשַּׁל, bashal, to boil or cook). This directly commands that all cooking, baking, or food preparation be completed on the sixth day (Friday). It demonstrates the practicality of preparing for the Sabbath's rest, allowing no such activities on the seventh day.
• and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning: This instruction validates the miraculous aspect of the Sabbath manna. Unlike manna gathered on other days (Ex 16:20), the portion kept overnight for the Sabbath would not spoil, underscoring God's power to sustain His people without labor on His holy day. It provided visible proof of His blessing and enabled obedience.

Words-group analysis

• "To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD": This phrase functions as a divine declaration, formally instituting the Sabbath and establishing its unique nature. It's presented as God's own set-apart day of solemn rest, emphasizing its holiness and His proprietorship over it, setting the foundation for the later Fourth Commandment.
• "bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe": This specific instruction demands proactive and practical obedience. It means completing all necessary domestic labor for sustenance on the day prior to the Sabbath, illustrating the commitment required to fully honor the day of rest by abstaining from common tasks.
• "that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning": This final part of the instruction highlights God's supernatural enablement of Sabbath keeping. The miraculous preservation of the manna for twenty-four hours beyond its normal shelf-life on a regular day was a visible sign of God's blessing and active participation in Israel's Sabbath observance, reinforcing His promise of provision.

Exodus 16 23 Bonus section

• Pre-Sinai Revelation: The Sabbath was revealed providentially through the manna cycle before being legislated formally at Sinai (Ex 20), indicating its fundamental importance to God's plan for His people.
• A Test of Obedience: The unique instruction regarding the manna served as an immediate, practical test of Israel's willingness to obey God's command regarding the Sabbath (Ex 16:4, 28). Their response revealed their faith or lack thereof.
• Divine Empowerment for Obedience: The miraculous preservation of the manna was not just a command but an enablement, demonstrating that God Himself would make their Sabbath-keeping possible, providing the means necessary for them to cease labor.

Exodus 16 23 Commentary

Exodus 16:23 marks the earliest detailed instruction concerning Sabbath observance in the wilderness, even before the giving of the Ten Commandments at Sinai. It demonstrates God's initiative in providing for Israel's rest and communion with Him. The requirement to pre-prepare food on the sixth day for the Sabbath, coupled with the miraculous preservation of the manna, taught the Israelites fundamental lessons: trust in God's daily provision, the sanctity of His set-apart day, and the discipline of planning and obedience. It showcased the Sabbath as a divine gift, not a burden, designed to foster reliance on God and provide a tangible rhythm for a life consecrated to Him. This pre-Sinaitic revelation served as a foundational test of their faith and obedience, underscoring that the Sabbath was essential to God's covenant relationship with His people. For example, by diligently gathering double manna on Friday and resting Saturday, they actively demonstrated faith that God would provide without their effort, contrasting with societies driven by ceaseless labor.