the people fretted, and quarrelled with Moses. Hypocrites may show high affections, and appear
earnest in religious exercises, but in the time of temptation they fall away. Even true believers, in
seasons of sharp trial, will be tempted to fret, distrust, and murmur. But in every trial we should
cast our care upon the Lord, and pour out our hearts before him. We shall then find that a submissive
will, a peaceful conscience, and the comforts of the Holy Ghost, will render the bitterest trial
tolerable, yea, pleasant. Moses did what the people had neglected to do; he cried unto the Lord.
And God provided graciously for them. He directed Moses to a tree which he cast into the waters,
when, at once, they were made sweet. Some make this tree typical of the cross of Christ, which
sweetens the bitter waters of affliction to all the faithful, and enables them to rejoice in tribulation.
But a rebellious Israelite shall fare no better than a rebellious Egyptian. The threatening is implied
only, the promise is expressed. God is the great Physician. If we are kept well, it is he that keeps
us; if we are made well, it is he that recovers us. He is our life and the length of our days. Let us
not forget that we are kept from destruction, and delivered from our enemies, to be the Lord's
servants. At Elim they had good water, and enough of it. Though God may, for a time, order his
people to encamp by the bitter waters of Marah, that shall not always be their lot. Let us not faint
at tribulations.
Chapter 16
Chapter Outline
The Israelites come to the wilderness of Sin. (1–12)
They murmur for food, God promises bread
from heaven.
God sends quails and manna. (13–21)
Particulars respecting the manna. (22–31)
An omer of manna to be preserved. (32–36)Verses 1–12
The provisions of Israel, brought from Egypt, were spent by the middle of the second month,
and they murmured. It is no new thing for the greatest kindness to be basely represented as the
greatest injuries. They so far undervalue their deliverance, that they wished they had died in Egypt;
and by the hand of the Lord, that is, by the plagues which cut off the Egyptians. We cannot suppose
they had plenty in Egypt, nor could they fear dying for want in the wilderness, while they had flocks
and herds: none talk more absurdly than murmurers. When we begin to fret, we ought to consider,
that God hears all our murmurings. God promises a speedy and constant supply. He tried whether
they would trust him, and rest satisfied with the bread of the day in its day. Thus he tried if they
would serve him, and it appeared how ungrateful they were. When God plagued the Egyptians, it
was to make them know he was their Lord; when he provided for the Israelites, it was to make them
know he was their God.