I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.
They had bread for a month, and when it ran out, despair set in at once, as if the God who parted the Red Sea could not feed them in the desert. They charge Moses with malice when he acted by God's command for their good. The best actions get the worst colors put upon them, and people wish themselves back in bondage rather than trust the invisible hand that saved them.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 16:1-12
The Lord heard their murmuring and disapproved of it, yet dealt with them in kindness rather than wrath. He had already done great things for them, brought them from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, slain their enemies, given them water, so they had no cause to doubt He would feed them. That very evening the quails came; the next morning, manna fell around their camp, and they knew Him as Lord, good and gracious.
AI summary
The people's murmuring exposed their unbelief in God's actual presence, even while the pillar of cloud stood among them as His constant sign. God would reveal His glory in the desert to impress upon their hearts that their food was His grace alone, not Moses' provision.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 16:9-12