The journey of Israel from Elim to Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 16-18, offers valuable lessons for believers navigating their own spiritual journeys. Elim, a place of rest and provision, was not the Israelites’ final destination. They had to move forward toward the Promised Land. Along the way, God used their experiences to teach them reliance, obedience, and trust.

From Elim into the Wilderness of Sin

Murmuring Again (Exodus 16:1-3)

Upon leaving Elim, the Israelites soon found themselves in the Wilderness of Sin, where their provisions ran low. Faced with hunger, they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron, forgetting God’s faithfulness. Instead of trusting in His presence, promises, and past provisions, they longed for the familiarity of Egypt, even if it meant glorifying their past slavery.

This illustrates a crucial truth:

• Wrong focus drives desires.
• False desires lead to selective memory.
• Comfort in past bondage can seem more appealing than trust in future freedom.

God Hears and Speaks (Exodus 16:4-10)

Despite their complaints, God responded with grace. He assured Moses of His provision: manna in the morning and quail in the evening. However, this provision would also serve as a test of their faithfulness:

• Would they walk in His law or not?
• Would they recognize that He alone had delivered them?
• Would they see His glory revealed through His works?

Moses emphasized that God’s actions were meant to draw their attention back to His faithfulness.

Hunger Issues Resolved by God (Exodus 16:11-15)

God miraculously provided:

• Manna – “Bread from heaven,” appearing each morning (Exodus 16:14, 31). The Israelites named it “manna,” meaning “What is it?”
• Quail – Meat in the evening.

Through this, God reaffirmed His desire for them to “know that I am the Lord your God.”

Specific Instructions for Provision (Exodus 16:16-21)

The Israelites were to gather only what they needed daily. Some disobeyed by gathering too much, only to see it spoil. Others gathered too little and found themselves lacking. This test emphasized:

• Trust in daily provision.
• Avoiding greed and self-sufficiency.

Further Instructions for the Sabbath (Exodus 16:22-26)

God commanded the Israelites to collect a double portion on the sixth day, ensuring their rest on the Sabbath. Unlike other days, the extra portion did not spoil. This underscored:

• God’s provision is perfect and timely.
• Obedience leads to true rest.

The Sabbath Rest (Exodus 16:27-31)

Despite clear instructions, some disobeyed and went out searching for manna on the Sabbath. God reminded them that rest was ordained for their benefit:

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:2-3

True rest in God is essential for walking steadfastly in righteousness.

The Testimony (Exodus 16:32-36)

God commanded a portion of manna to be preserved for future generations as a testimony of His provision. This was a reminder that:

• God had redeemed them.
• He would continue to provide.

Lessons from the Between

Every believer is on a journey between redemption and the ultimate destination of heaven. In the “between,” there are lessons to be learned:

1. Difficult Situations Drive Us When We Are in the Flesh

When focused on the flesh, our desires can become misguided (Romans 8:5-8, Philippians 3:19). The Israelites’ hunger led them to despair, even wishing for death in Egypt. When we are led by fleshly desires, we:

• Experience spiritual death.
• War against God and His will.
• Lose faith and perspective.
• Experience total loss.
• Allow our desires to become our God.
• Glory in our shame.

2. God’s Provisions Are Also Tests

God’s blessings come with responsibility. His provision of manna was also a test:

• Would they trust Him daily?
• Would they follow His instructions?
• Would they recognize their need for a Savior?

3. Provision and Proving Testify of God’s Work

Every trial and blessing testifies to God’s faithfulness:

• He brings us out of bondage.
• He reveals His glory through His presence and provision.
• His mercy and goodness testify of His nature.

4. There Is a Daily Need to Seek God

True dependence on God requires daily communion with Him:

• Focus on His holiness (Isaiah 6).
• Approach Him with humility (Micah 6:6-8).
• Worship with praise (Psalm 95:2; 100:2).
• Live with expectation (Psalm 31:24).

5. Following God’s Instructions Is Necessary

Obedience to God leads to the best outcome:

• It is always the better choice.
• It allows us to fully experience His provision and peace.

Conclusion: Seek God in the morning, enjoy His presence throughout the day, and reflect on His goodness in the evening. Just as He led Israel through the “between,” He will lead you through yours.