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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 16:13-21

Now they begin to be provided for by the immediate hand of God. I. He makes them a feast, at night, of delicate fowl, feathered fowl (Ps. 78:27), therefore not locusts, as some think; quails, or pheasants, or some wild fowl, came up, and covered the camp, so tame that they might take up as many of them as they pleased. Note, God gives us of the good things of this life, not only for necessity, but for delight, that we may not only serve him, but serve him cheerfully. II. Next morning he rained... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 16:13

And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up ,.... From the coasts of Egypt, from the Red sea, over which they flew; and being evening, and weary with flying so long, lighted and settled where the Israelites encamped. Josephus F12 Antiqu. l. 3. c. 1. sect. 5. says, about the Arabian gulf there are more of this sort of birds than any other, which flying over the sea, and being weary, and coming nearer the ground than other birds, and lighting among the Hebrews, they took them... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 16:13

At even the quails came - שלו selav , from שלה salah , to be quiet, easy, or secure; and hence the quail, from their remarkably living at ease and plenty among the corn. "An amazing number of these birds," says Hasselquist, Travels, p. 209, "come to Egypt at this time, (March), for in this month the wheat ripens. They conceal themselves among the corn, but the Egyptians know that they are thieves, and when they imagine the field to be full of them they spread a net over the corn and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 16:13

Verse 13 13.And it came to pass. We shall afterwards see, that, when from weariness of the manna they began to desire meat, quails were again given them; but, while they were yet in their mouths, a terrible punishment was inflicted upon their gluttony. When here they had only complained of their want of food, God for once satiated them with flesh, that He might show them that He has in His hand all kinds and quantity of meats. Yet, it was His will that they should be content with one single... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 16:1-15

The provision of the manna. This chapter contains an account of the first provision of miraculous bread for Israel in the wilderness. We are told very fully the circumstances in which it was given and the regulations for obtaining and using it. This provision of bread comes very appropriately after the visits to Marah and Elim. The waters had been made sure, and were soon to be made sure again ( Exodus 17:1-16 .); and now the bread is given ( Isaiah 33:16 ). Before God takes the people... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 16:1-36

The manna of the body-A homily on providence. "They said one to another, what is this? (marg.) for they wist not what it was" ( Exodus 16:15 ). Introduction:—Trace the journey from Elim to the sea ( Numbers 33:10 ); and thence to the wilderness of Sin; and give a thoroughly good exegetical exposition of the facts of the manna story. It would be well also to show the supernatural character of the manna; and, at the same time, that the manna supernatural was not unlike (and yet unlike... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 16:1-36

Manna for the soul; a homily on grace. " I am the living bread … he shall live for ever." John 6:51 . Having given the manna story, discussed the miracle, and given the lessons bearing on our providential path, we now go up to the higher level, and listen to the truths taught in relation to the kingdom of God's grace. These gather round the central truth—that the Lord Jesus Christ is the nutriment of the soul. For that truth we have his own supreme authority. [See the full discourse... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 16:4-16

The gift of Manna. Quails also were given, on this occasion in mercy, and on a later occasion in wrath ( Numbers 11:31-34 ); but it was the manna which was the principal gift, both as providing Israel with a continuous supply of food, and as having a permanent significance in the history of God's dealings with his Church ( Exodus 16:32-35 ). I. THE MANNA PROMISED ( Exodus 16:4-9 ). 1 . God would rain bread from heaven for them ( Exodus 16:4 ). He would spread a table... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 16:9-21

God and Nature. I. GOD IS THE MASTER OF NATURE , NOT NATURE 'S SERVANT . A school of modern thought places nature above God, or at ,any rate on a par with God. It is an absolute impossibility, we are told, that a law of nature should be broken or suspended. Miracles are incredible. But all this, it must be borne in mind, is mere assertion, and assertion without a tittle of proof. All that we can know is, that we ourselves have never witnessed a miracle. We may further... read more

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