Exodus 16-18

What’s Happening?

God has just rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and now intends to train them into a people who trust him and live as his kingdom in the world. But before Israel can face enemies or form alliances, God must teach them a more basic lesson: that he will always provide for their needs.

Only three days after crossing the Red Sea, Israel runs out of water. God’s people begin to grumble, questioning whether God intends to care for them at all (Exodus 15:22–24). Moses cries out to God, and God provides water. God then explains that these moments are not accidents but tests. Through them, God will train Israel to trust his provision, even in dire circumstances. God promises to provide for Israel’s needs and to discipline them toward trust when necessary (Exodus 15:25–26). He immediately proves his faithfulness by leading them to an oasis overflowing with water (Exodus 15:27).

About a month later, Israel leaves the oasis and again fears for their survival—this time because of hunger (Exodus 16:1–3). God announces the next test. He will provide bread each morning and quail each evening, but no family may gather more than one day’s food (Exodus 16:4–5). Moses warns Israel that God has heard their complaints and that hunger must not lead them to distrust God (Exodus 16:6–12). God is training them to trust that he will provide anew each morning.

God sends quail at night and bread in the morning, and the people eat (Exodus 16:13–18). Yet some fail the test. Fearing God will not provide the next day, they keep leftovers overnight, and the bread fills with maggots just as God warned (Exodus 16:19–20). Even so, God continues providing daily bread for the next five days.

Then Moses announces a second test. The seventh day will be a Sabbath rest. God will not send food that day, so Israel must gather double on the sixth day. God promises the extra food will not spoil (Exodus 16:21–25). Again, some fail to trust God and attempt to gather food on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:27). Moses patiently corrects them, reminding Israel that rest itself is an act of trust (Exodus 16:28–30).

A third test follows. God leads Israel to a camp with no drinkable water. This time, instead of grumbling, the people threaten violence, saying they will stone Moses unless water is provided immediately (Exodus 17:1–4). Yet God responds with grace. He instructs Moses to strike a rock, and water flows freely in the desert (Exodus 17:5–7). Despite their failure, God continues training Israel to trust that he will always provide.

Immediately after this test, Israel faces its first external threat as a nation. The Amalekites attack Israel while they are still vulnerable in the wilderness (Exodus 17:8). Moses rallies the people for battle and promises to stand on a hill with his hands raised in prayer. As long as Moses prays, Israel prevails; when he lowers his hands, Amalek gains ground. With the help of others who support his arms, Moses keeps his hands raised until Israel wins its first battle as a nation (Exodus 17:9–13). God then promises to remain at war with Amalek forever, declaring that any nation that fights Israel is fighting God himself (Exodus 17:14–16).

But not all nations oppose Israel. News of God’s victories reaches Midian. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, a priest and representative of Midian, comes to meet Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 18:1–6). Instead of attacking, Jethro celebrates what God has done. He rejoices over Israel’s deliverance, offers sacrifices to God, and joins Moses and Israel’s elders in a feast (Exodus 18:7–12). Jethro then gives Moses wise counsel on how to govern the growing nation, helping establish Israel’s first system of justice (Exodus 18:13–27). As allies, Israel and Midian participate together in what God is building.

Where is the Gospel?

God wants his people to know that he will always provide everything they need. He rescues Israel from slavery, defeats their enemies, guides them by cloud and fire, and feeds them daily—even when they fail his tests repeatedly and respond with fear or anger.

This unconditional provision finds its fullest expression in Jesus. Jesus explicitly identifies himself with these wilderness stories, calling himself the bread of life and the source of living water (John 6:32–35; John 4:10–26). While Israel ate bread and drank water only to hunger again, Jesus promises provision that fully satisfies. He teaches his followers to pray for daily bread, trusting God’s provision anew each day (Matthew 6:11).

Jesus also fulfills Israel’s story as God’s kingdom advancing in the world. Like Abram, Moses, and Israel before him, Jesus faced opposition from hostile powers. But instead of fighting earthly nations, Jesus went to war against humanity’s deepest enemies—Satan and death. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness and emerged victorious (Colossians 2:15).

Like the rock struck in the wilderness, Jesus was struck, and life poured out (John 19:34; 1 Corinthians 10:2–4). Like Moses raised in prayer, Jesus interceded for his people, securing victory not by force but by faithfulness. After rising from the dead, Jesus ascended as King and Chief Justice over the world and delegated his authority to his disciples (Matthew 28:16–20).

Now, as in Exodus, the nations must decide how to respond. Some, like Jethro, will rejoice, align themselves with God’s work, and become allies of his kingdom. Others, like Amalek, will resist and fight. God’s kingdom has arrived in Jesus, and each of us must choose how we will respond.

See for Yourself

I pray that the Holy Spirit would open your eyes to see the God who faithfully provides and keeps his ancient promises. And may you see Jesus as the one who gives us all we need and invites us to become allies of his Kingdom.