Exodus 16:22-30 The spirit of Sabbath is trust in God, the provider and compassion towards others

Exodus 16:22-30 The spirit of Sabbath is trust in God, the provider and compassion towards others

Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, then he said to them, “This is what the Lord meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none.”

It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? See, the Lord has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.

Background

The Lord embedded in the essential structure of the provision (of manna) the concept of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is purposed to prepare the people spiritually and mentally for life in the promised land. This is necessary for the Israelites who are so used to a life of abuse and repression. The practice of the Sabbath gives them a new nature to live as heirs of God’s kingdom. Today’s devotion teaches us: The spirit of Sabbath is trust in God, the provider, and compassion towards others.

Observation

Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one.

The people went out to collect the day’s portion without being informed of the plan. But to their delight and amazement, they gathered twice the normal amount, two omers per person. Moses took occasion to instruct them concerning the Sabbath observance. God has commanded the people to set apart the Sabbath day from the rest of the weekdays as a special rest day dedicated to the worship of God. For six days, the entire nation must abstain from all work, including the gathering of bread and cooking. Hence, on the 6th day, they are to collect a double portion and cook two days’ worth of food. As they followed Moses’s instructions, indeed the manna did not spoil on the next day.

It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none.

On the seventh day (Sabbath), some people disregarded God’s instructions and went out to hunt for manna. The people’s lack of faith in God as their provider and their disobedience angered God. God, in His displeasure, asked them, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions?…” The Lord’s words reflect the seriousness of their unbelief, which eventually kept them from entering the promised land.

Truth

What is the significance of the Sabbath?

Ancient Israel understood Sabbath rest as synonymous with life in the promised land. The purpose of Sabbath observance was to help Israel unlearn the mindset of slaves and be re-formed as heirs capable of living a new life. Sabbath was therefore more than rest from toil or freedom from oppression; it was an invitation to embrace a new, divine identity as sons of God.

Yet Israel mistakenly located Sabbath rest in the land itself. True rest and abundant life come from God alone. Scripture calls it God’s own rest—“My rest” (Psalm 95). Jesus affirms this by declaring Himself Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and inviting the weary to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28–30).

Those who are perpetually weary and burdened resemble slaves in heart. Though outwardly free, they remain imprisoned by fear, envy, lust, and anxiety, unable to rest for fear of falling behind. God gave Israel a double portion on the sixth day so they could rest on the seventh; likewise, Jesus alone grants rest to all who come to Him. This rest is not mere relief from labor but participation in Jesus’s way of life—gentleness and humility. Rest is found by taking His yoke and learning from Him. John calls this way of life “eternal life,” which is found in the Son (1 John 5:11).

Israel experienced bodily rest, yet their hearts remained enslaved to sin and unfit for the promised land. Similarly, many Christians may be delivered from hardship but remain inwardly bound by self-centeredness and desire. Such have not acquired the spirit of rest that defines life in the kingdom of God.

The spirit of Sabbath is trust in God, the provider, and compassion towards others

Though Jews and Christians observe different Sabbath days, Israel often observed Sabbath in form rather than spirit—policing behavior while neglecting mercy. True Sabbath is expressed through compassion. Those who hoarded manna at others’ expense demonstrated a lack of Sabbath spirit.

Jesus confronted this distortion when the Pharisees accused His disciples of breaking Sabbath law. He reminded them, “I desire compassion, not sacrifice” (Matthew 12:6–7). Religious observance without mercy does not please God. He values compassion over ritual performance.

Many judge themselves by conformity to church norms or visible service, assuming God is pleased by activity and sacrifice. Yet hearts may remain distant from God and indifferent to others. Jesus proved His point by healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, declaring that it is lawful to do good (Matthew 12:12–13). In doing so, He taught that Sabbath is rightly kept through acts of mercy. God judges the heart, not religious performance.

The practice of Sabbath is the practice of trust in God as the provider

Sabbath trained Israel to trust God as their provider in anticipation of life in the promised land. Receiving a double portion and resting was an act of faith. Jesus later revealed that God’s kingdom is not a physical territory but a present reality within believers (Luke 17:20–21). God’s rule is now manifested through Spirit-filled people everywhere. When believers seek His righteous rule, provision follows (Matthew 6:33).

Many attend church on Sunday yet fail to establish God’s rule in their homes, workplaces, and communities. They remain trapped in anxiety and material striving, sometimes even using God to fulfill fleshly desires. Sabbath practice, however, forms an ordered life of peace and trust in God as provider.

In the spirit of Sabbath, we exercise dominion over all things

Sabbath was instituted to transform slaves into heirs capable of ruling. Joshua spoke of rest through possessing the land, yet centuries later David declared Israel had not entered that rest (Psalm 95). Though the land was occupied, rest had not reached the soul. Without inner rest, righteous dominion is impossible.

Israel failed to rest because they could not trust God—or one another—to provide, nor could they submit to God’s direction in love. Slaves struggle to trust authority and therefore cannot rule. Though they kept Sabbath outwardly, their hearts remained hardened (Psalm 95:7).

Likewise, many observe Sabbath worship yet remain anxious about work and provision. Their unrest prevents them from hearing and obeying God. Such unbelief excludes them from the fullness of God’s kingdom.

To Rest is to Rule and Reign

God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh—not from exhaustion, but from completed authority (Genesis 2:2–3). Rest signifies peace and sovereign dominion over His creation. Jesus demonstrated this authority by sleeping through the storm and calming the sea (Matthew 8:23–27).

How do we overcome weariness and burden?

We overcome weariness by letting go and yielding control to God. Pride resists rest; humility receives grace. Those who recognize their weakness open themselves to God’s power. Jesus rejoiced that the Father reveals His kingdom not to the self-sufficient, but to the humble (Matthew 11:25–26).

Immediately after, Jesus invites the weary to come to Him. In resting, our souls receive divine wisdom and authority to rule over our circumstances, bringing justice and lasting fruit wherever we serve. As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus grants rest to all who trust and obey Him moment by moment. His yoke is lighter than ours—and His way leads to true rest.

Application

Are you sensitive to the struggles of others and seek to be a comforter to them? Jesus made Himself an example for us to follow. He has never hesitated to comfort the sorrowful, provide direction to the lost, or heal those who are sick. As the Lord of the Sabbath lives in your heart, let your days be peppered with acts of compassion.

Are you always weary and heavy-laden because of the burdens of life? The Sabbath reminds us to align our hearts to God’s kingdom purpose, which is to bring salvation and righteousness into the world. Jesus says,

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:31-33

When we align our mission to God’s kingdom purposes, He will help us solve seemingly unsolvable problems and bring breakthroughs to our careers and relationships.

Dear Lord, fill me with divine love for others. Use me as your vessel to bring hope and comfort, and to heal those who are sick. I trust you as the provider of my needs, and to bring breakthroughs in all my endeavours. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.