Exodus 16 24

Exodus 16:24 kjv

And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.

Exodus 16:24 nkjv

So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it.

Exodus 16:24 niv

So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it.

Exodus 16:24 esv

So they laid it aside till the morning, as Moses commanded them, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it.

Exodus 16:24 nlt

So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor.

Exodus 16 verses

Exodus 16 24 Meaning

This verse describes Israel's obedience to Moses' (and thus God's) command concerning the manna on the eve of the Sabbath. In stark contrast to other days when hoarding led to spoilage (Ex 16:20), the double portion gathered on the sixth day remained perfectly fresh and untainted, miraculously preserved by God for consumption on the Sabbath, emphasizing God's provision and the holiness of His appointed rest.

Exodus 16 24 Context

Exodus chapter 16 opens with the Israelite congregation murmuring against Moses and Aaron, complaining about hunger in the wilderness after their departure from Egypt. God responds graciously by promising to "rain bread from heaven" for them (Ex 16:4) and also to provide meat in the evening. This marked a crucial period of God testing Israel's obedience and teaching them dependence. Specific instructions were given regarding the gathering of manna: a daily portion, no hoarding overnight (Ex 16:19-20), and a double portion on the sixth day to allow for rest on the seventh day, the Sabbath. This verse (Ex 16:24) stands as the successful demonstration of this instruction regarding the Sabbath portion, contrasted powerfully with the previous failure to heed the "no hoarding" instruction (Ex 16:20), where manna kept overnight bred worms and stank. It is a direct divine affirmation of the Sabbath's sanctity and God's supernatural power to provide even in rest.

Exodus 16 24 Word analysis

• So they left it: Hebrew: יַנִּיחוּ (yannichu), from the root נוח (nuach), meaning "to rest, settle, place down, leave undisturbed." This implies an act of obedient submission—they allowed the manna to remain without interference, trusting the command. This contrasts with the self-willed hoarding mentioned in Ex 16:20.
• till morning: This specific timeframe highlights the precision of the divine command and the miracle. It spans a period where perishable food in such a climate would normally spoil.
• as Moses commanded: This phrase highlights the divine origin of the instruction. Moses was God's mediator; therefore, their obedience to Moses' command here was directly obedience to God, emphasizing God's authority and validating Moses' leadership.
• and it did not stink: Hebrew: לֹא הִבְאִישׁ (lo hiv'ish), meaning "it did not become foul, decay, or emit a bad odor." This is a miraculous preservation that directly counteracts natural processes of decomposition, especially in the wilderness heat. It directly negates the consequence of disobedience shown in Ex 16:20.
• nor was there any worm in it: Hebrew: וְרִמָּה (ve'rimmah), for "and worm" or "maggots." This detail specifies another facet of the supernatural preservation: the absence of infestation. Worms signify corruption and decay, making their absence a powerful sign of purity and divine intervention. This, too, reverses the negative outcome of disobedience in Ex 16:20.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "So they left it till morning, as Moses commanded": This phrase underscores the Israelite's obedient action. It signifies their act of faith in setting aside the double portion and trusting God's provision for the Sabbath, following the specific instruction given through Moses. This stands as a testament to their growing trust in God's divine order.
• "and it did not stink, nor was there any worm in it": This describes the miraculous outcome of their obedience. The double negative ("did not stink, nor was there any worm") powerfully emphasizes the complete absence of decay or contamination. This direct divine intervention validates God's command regarding the Sabbath, showcases His precise control over creation, and demonstrates His faithfulness to those who obey. It confirms that the Sabbath portion was specially set apart by God.

Exodus 16 24 Bonus section

• The incident of manna on the Sabbath established a fundamental principle of the Abrahamic covenant nation: divine provision is tied to divine obedience, particularly concerning the Sabbath command, long before the Mosaic Law was formally given at Sinai.
• The precise and distinct outcome on the Sabbath highlights God's pedagogical approach—He often teaches His people through direct experience and observable consequences (both positive and negative).
• The miraculous absence of corruption foreshadows theological themes of purity and incorruptibility found in later Scripture, particularly concerning Christ's body in the grave (Ps 16:10, Acts 2:27, 31) and the unblemished nature of God's perfect provision.

Exodus 16 24 Commentary

Exodus 16:24 is a pivotal verse in the manna narrative, serving as a powerful sign from God confirming His Sabbath command and validating Moses' leadership. The miraculous preservation of the manna directly contrasted with its normal decay when hoarded (Ex 16:20), powerfully demonstrating God's supernatural intervention. This not only taught Israel absolute dependence on His precise and timely provision but also underscored the unique sanctity and distinction of the Sabbath. It was a tangible lesson in faith, trust, and obedience, proving that resting on the Sabbath meant trusting God for sustenance and His ability to provide exceptionally for their needs outside their usual efforts. It reassured them that God's ways supersede natural limitations, inviting a profound confidence in His plans and commands, ultimately leading to true rest in Him.

• Practical Example: Trusting God to provide even when situations seem uncertain, rather than anxiously striving or hoarding resources, enables true rest.
• Practical Example: Respecting God's appointed times and methods for spiritual refreshment leads to divine blessing and preservation, just as the manna remained untainted.