Exodus 16:23

From Theonomy Wiki
Exodus 16

Law Analysis overview

23 He said to them, “This is that which YHWH has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to YHWH. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’” Exodus 16:23WEB

Classification

The Command

This passage contains a positive command, directed toward Israel: "Tomorrow is a holy Sabbath to YHWH, so take double the normal amount of Manna today and store it up to eat tomorrow..".

Categories

This command is part of the Principles and Definitions. It is part of a series of commands which are limited in scope to the time which Israel would spend in that situation; One-time Commands, and it is Typological/Ceremonial in nature.

These laws contribute to an understanding of Food because God is providing them with food, Sabbath because they are to gather twice as much in preparation for the sabbath, and Corporate Judgment because God says in this passage that he intends this to test Israel's obedience to him.

Fulfillment

The immediate command was fulfilled by Israel in the wilderness, although many were disobedient (see verse 20). It finds its greater fulfillment in Jesus, who says about himself, "I am the bread that came down from heaven" (John 6:22-59).

Notes on Interpretation/Application

Cooking on the Sabbath

It is noteworthy that the command is to collect manna, cook some of it for today, and set aside the remaining food for the sabbath. The wording strongly suggests that what has been baked or boiled is for today, and the food which is set aside for tomorrow is uncooked, which would indicate that cooking could take place on the Sabbath; the work which was to be avoided was that of gathering.

Interpretation 2