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Moses speaks with the Israelites about gathering a double portion of manna on the sixth day and preparing for the Sabbath.

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Preparing for a Day of Rest

Exodus 16:1-36

The Big Idea

God provided what His people needed and taught them to trust His instructions. Rest and gratitude are also gifts to receive wisely.

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The Bible Story

Manna in the Wilderness

Exodus 16:22–30 describes the sixth day of God’s provision of manna. The Israelites gather twice as much as usual—two omers per person. When the elders report this to Moses, he explains that the next day is a Sabbath, a holy day of rest to the LORD. The people are told to bake and boil what they have gathered and keep the remainder until morning. Unlike manna kept on other days, this portion does not become foul or breed worms. Some people go out to gather on the seventh day, but they find none. Moses teaches the Israelites to remain in their places and rest on the Sabbath. This account connects God’s provision with daily dependence and obedience to His instructions. It presents the Sabbath rule within the manna-gathering instructions in this passage, without adding later Sabbath regulations.

Themes

Daily dependenceGod’s provisionGratitudeObedience to God’s instructionsRemembering God’s provisionThe Sabbath

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Exodus 16:22–30 describes the sixth day of God’s provision of manna. The Israelites gather twice as much as usual—two omers per person. When the elders report this to Moses, he explains that the next day is a Sabbath, a holy day of rest to the LORD. The people are told to bake and boil what they have gathered and keep the remainder until morning. Unlike manna kept on other days, this portion does not become foul or breed worms. Some people go out to gather on the seventh day, but they find none. Moses teaches the Israelites to remain in their places and rest on the Sabbath. This account connects God’s provision with daily dependence and obedience to His instructions. It presents the Sabbath rule within the manna-gathering instructions in this passage, without adding later Sabbath regulations.

Look closely

What children can notice

On the sixth day, Israelites gather two portions of manna, while Moses explains that the next day is a holy Sabbath of rest. Show families preparing the gathered food in the camp and resting afterward.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • Why did the Israelites gather twice as much manna on the sixth day?
  • How can we practice grateful rest and obedience today?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page when teaching Exodus 16:22–30 about God’s provision, daily dependence, obedience, and the Sabbath. Invite children to notice the double portion and discuss why the Israelites prepared food before resting. Keep the conversation tied to this passage, without adding later Sabbath rules or unrelated rituals.

Source note

From this passage

Exodus 16:22-30 · Bread from Heaven

On the sixth day, Israelites gather two portions of manna, while Moses explains that the next day is a holy Sabbath of rest. Show families preparing the gathered food in the camp and resting afterward.

Continue the Story

Manna in the Wilderness

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