Snoopy Examines Exodus

[paradox3]

That’s a wonderful reflection. It’s inspiring to see how God provided manna for the Israelites, teaching us that his provision's always sufficient for our needs.

Well, I think we need to keep in mind this is an origin story of a particular people. It features a tribal deity looking after that particular God's tribe.

The grumbling of the Israelites is an interesting twist. Are the Israelites living in a wilderness of sin as someone suggested? Or are they showing signs of trauma?

How much can we extrapolate from the passage? There might be an argument that the principles of abundance and greed apply on a global level.

I think it most likely that natural processes produced the quail and the manna. Interesting that God's instructions were all about the bread. No rules for hunting, slaughtering or consuming the quail which arrived every evening.

This passage reminds us to trust in God’s provision and not to hoard out of greed.

It certainly makes a good case against greed.

 

[Jaebius]

One wonders if the manna story is literal, or if it is more of a way of telling people how to manage the resources that God provides. More a myth or fable than history (okay, I think that about the whole event, but this particular episode even moreso). But, yeah, I agree with the readings of @paradox3 (I almost typed @Snoopy ) and @Jae.

The story of manna in the wilderness can be approached from multiple perspectives.

It underscores God’s provision. It reminds us that God provides for our needs, often in unexpected ways, and calls us to trust in him. This story also teaches us about stewardship; how we manage the resources God gives us.

The manna story points us towards reliance on God. The message is clear: God's our provider. We must obey him

 

[paradox3]

Yes, in Exodus the importance of following God's commandments is stressed.

In Exodus 16, Sabbath observance is emphasized.

 

[paradox3]

Oh, and it just occurred to me there is no mention of quail eggs. Kind of supports the theory that the birds were migrating

 

[paradox3]

And another thought about the wilderness. In the NT we see Jesus led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. We don't consider Jesus to be sinning there, do we?

 

[Mendalla]

We don't consider Jesus to be sinning there, do we?

Depends what he did in his off time, doesn't it?

 

[paradox3]

Very interesting to contemplate that some of these OT narratives would have been familiar to Jesus.

I am not one for seeing Christian symbolism in these stories. So for example, I don't see the stick Moses threw into the water as symbol of the cross. Nor do I believe the brackish water turning sweet symbolizes Christian salvation.

But to consider that Jesus knew these stories??? I can go there. How did they influence his theology and teachings??? This is what I find fascinating.

 

[BetteTheRed]

Very interesting to contemplate that some of these OT narratives would have been familiar to Jesus.

Why only some of them? The Torah at least was compiled long before Jesus' birth. And the Talmud, as well, which comprises rabbinical discussions of the stories in the Torah.

 

[paradox3]

Why only some of them? The Torah at least was compiled long before Jesus' birth. And the Talmud, as well, which comprises rabbinical discussions of the stories in the Torah.

I have come across speculation that not every synagogue would own copies of all of the scrolls. (They were expensive to produce.)

 

[GordW]

Snoopy's Snappy Review: Exodus 16: 15-21 God provides abundantly and greediness is futile.

I am not sure we can so easily assign the saving to greed. When you have nothing and are not totally sure more is coming the prudent response would be to save for tomorrow. I see it more as a trust issue (which will show up throughout the time in the wilderness)

 

[Mendalla]

I have come across speculation that not every synagogue would own copies of all of the scrolls. (They were expensive to produce.)

It would make sense. Until the printing press, mass copying of documents was a major chore. Kept scribes employed, e.g. the famous scriptoriums of the Middle Ages. It's really why Gutenberg's press and his first printing of the Bible is considered a key moment in Western history, right up there with electricity and the PC, if not ahead of them.

 

[GordW]

I have come across speculation that not every synagogue would own copies of all of the scrolls. (They were expensive to produce.)

HOwever the oral tradition would remain strong so even without the physical scrolls the stories would have been passed on I think

 

[GordW]

And another thought about the wilderness. In the NT we see Jesus led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. We don't consider Jesus to be sinning there, do we?

The wilderness does not lead to sin, the wilderness is where the people may have sinned. And then there is a strong tradition of hermits heading off into the wilderness (both in the early Christian Middle East and then the Celtic monks of Ireland and Scotland) as the best way to livewith God.

 

[paradox3]

I am not sure we can so easily assign the saving to greed. When you have nothing and are not totally sure more is coming the prudent response would be to save for tomorrow.

True enough. Hoarding is a common trauma response. It may or may not relate to food insecurity.

I see it more as a trust issue (which will show up throughout the time in the wilderness)

Fair.

 

[paradox3]

HOwever the oral tradition would remain strong so even without the physical scrolls the stories would have been passed on I think

Yes, most probably. Jesus talked a lot about the Law and the Prophets. But I have also seen speculation that Jesus was more familiar with some books than others.

 

[Mendalla]

But I have also seen speculation that Jesus was more familiar with some books than others.

Which is just being human regardless of whether the stories in question are written or oral, isn't it? Even in modern Christianity, most people have favourite books or passages that they tend to know by heart and others that are kind of "I know it exists."

 

[paradox3]

Jesus quoted from most (not all) books of the Tanakh. He quoted most often from Psalms, Deuteronomy, Isaiah and Exodus.

I found these numbers.

Psalms: 11 times
Deuteronomy: 10 times
Isaiah: 8 times
Exodus: 7 times

 

[Jaebius]

Well, I think we need to keep in mind this is an origin story of a particular people. It features a tribal deity looking after that particular God's tribe.

The grumbling of the Israelites is an interesting twist. Are the Israelites living in a wilderness of sin as someone suggested? Or are they showing signs of trauma?

How much can we extrapolate from the passage? There might be an argument that the principles of abundance and greed apply on a global level.

I think it most likely that natural processes produced the quail and the manna. Interesting that God's instructions were all about the bread. No rules for hunting, slaughtering or consuming the quail which arrived every evening.


It certainly makes a good case against greed.

It's enriching to explore these stories' deeper meanings.

The story of manna and quail powerfully reminds us of God's care. It offers timeless lessons for us all.

The Israelites' grumbling reflects human nature. Their reactions remind us of our own struggles with faith.

Regarding the natural processes, it’s fascinating to consider how God can use the natural world to fulfill His purposes. The focus on manna and the instructions around it highlight the importance of reliance on God. This principle reminds us to share resources generously.

This passage encourages us to reflect on our own lives. Are we trusting God? Let's live out our faith in practical ways, trusting in his sufficiency.

Let's all be inspired by this story to live generously, reflecting God's love in our communities

 

[Jaebius]

Which is just being human regardless of whether the stories in question are written or oral, isn't it? Even in modern Christianity, most people have favourite books or passages that they tend to know by heart and others that are kind of "I know it exists."

This is true. The gospels, for example, tend to be favorites, while the books of the minor prophets are largely forgotten. I read one time that the book of Obadiah is the least searched for one at Bible gateway.com

Our English ministry's going to study the book of Nehemiah throughout September. It's another often neglected book

 

[Mendalla]

I read one time that the book of Obadiah is the least searched for one at Bible gateway.com

And it's a fairly short one, too, if I remember correctly. Hmmm. Potential BPoTW here.

Our English ministry's going to study the book of Nehemiah throughout September. It's another often neglected book

By me, among others. At least I don't recall having read it at any rate.