Bible Study September16, 2020
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 15:22 – 16:36
[text Exodus 16:2-15]
The focus text for today is God’s provision of manna in the wilderness, and the surrounding text is a bit shorter than what we have seen in recent weeks. We ended last week with the songs of Moses and of Miriam – songs of praise and thanksgiving extolling the glory and sovereignty of God. We read that Moses led them from the Red Sea into the Wilderness of Shur. Think about “wilderness” – what images or themes occur to you when you read about the wilderness?
This map is from the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary. Compare it to the map in your Bible. In the resources I’ve used, no two maps are the same. I was a bit surprised at this. What do you think about this? What might explain this? Does it matter?In 15:22-27 we read of their travel from the Red Sea to Elim. Compare the places where they camp; what is common and what is different?
In the focus text, the people of Israel had several complaints, some against Moses and Aaron and some against God. What word does your translation use for their complaining? Do we see this happening today? What other words describe this?
Go back to 14:31. What has changed in the focus text?
What details do you find interesting in the description of God providing manna?
In 16:5-30, note how many times God makes provision for sabbath. How does God’s providing sabbath compare with life under Pharaoh?
What are some of the New Testament references to bread? How do they compare with this story of life for the people of Israel?
Let us pray: O God you are far more willing to give than we are to receive with gratitude. Help us trust your provision and use your gifts in a way that is pleasing to you. Guide us into your sabbath rest, for the sake of Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
