Why did some Israelites disobey Moses' command in Exodus 16:20? The Scene in Exodus 16:20 “Yet they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. So Moses was angry with them.” (Exodus 16:20) God’s Simple Instruction • “Let no one leave any of it until morning.” (Exodus 16:19) • Gather enough manna for the day—no more, no less (Exodus 16:16-18). • Trust that fresh provision would fall with the next sunrise. What Went Wrong? • Lack of trust in God’s daily faithfulness—fear that tomorrow’s supply might not come (cf. Psalm 78:17-22). • A slave-era mindset of scarcity carried over from Egypt. • Self-preservation and greed—hoarding to feel secure. • Testing the limits of God’s word (cf. Hebrews 3:7-9). • Plain forgetfulness or indifference toward the command just given. The Heart Issue Behind the Disobedience • Unbelief: “Because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation.” (Psalm 78:22) • Hardness of heart: “Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:8) • Self-reliance over God-reliance: ignoring the invitation to depend on Him daily. A Lesson Repeated in Scripture • Daily bread, not weekly stockpiles—“Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) • “Do not worry… your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:31-32) • Gathering new mercies each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Consequences Then and Now • Immediate rot and stench—visible proof that disobedience spoils what God gives. • Moses’ righteous anger—leadership burdened by the people’s mistrust. • Ongoing pattern of grumbling that later erupted at Meribah (Exodus 17:1-7). • For believers today: spiritual stagnation when we stockpile yesterday’s experiences instead of seeking fresh communion. Walking in Daily Dependence Today • Rise each morning to “gather” from Scripture and prayer. • Trust God for tomorrow’s needs; focus on today’s faithfulness. • Cultivate contentment—guard against the impulse to hoard resources or experiences. • Obey promptly, even when His instructions run counter to self-preservation instincts. |
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