Exodus 16:32
And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
Exodus 16:32 · King James Version
Meaning
When Moses tells the Israelites to fill an omer of manna to be kept for future generations, he is emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring their history. The manna was a miraculous provision from the LORD during their time in the wilderness, sustaining the Israelites on their journey out of Egypt. By preserving a portion of the manna, Moses instructs the people to remember the faithfulness and provision of God in their past. This act also serves as a tangible reminder of their dependence on God and a symbol of His covenant with the Israelites. Keeping the manna for future generations ensures that the story of their deliverance from Egypt and God's continued care will not be forgotten. It is a way for the Israelites to pass down their history and faith to their descendants, reinforcing the importance of trust and gratitude towards the LORD.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from Exodus, Moses conveys the command of the Lord to fill an omer of manna to be stored for future generations to witness. This act serves as a powerful reminder of the miraculous provision of bread by God during the Israelites' time in the wilderness. Through this command, the Lord emphasizes the importance of remembering His faithfulness and provision throughout history. The word "omer" refers to a unit of measure that was commonly used in the ancient Near East, and in this context, it signifies a specific quantity of manna that is to be preserved. The act of saving a portion of the manna symbolizes the significance of preserving and passing down the stories of God's provision from one generation to the next. By seeing and reflecting on the bread that sustained them during their journey out of Egypt, the Israelites would be reminded of God's constant care and provision in their lives.
Exodus 16:32 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Moses said, This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread wherewith I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
World English Bible
Moses said, “This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded, ‘Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’”
Douay-Rheims
And Moses said: This is the word which the Lord hath commanded: Fill a gomor of it, and let it be kept unto generations to come hereafter; that they may know the bread, wherewith I fed you in the wilderness when you were brought forth out of the land of Egypt.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Moses said, This is that which the Lord hath commanded, Fill an Omer of it, to keepe it for your posteritie: that they may see the bread wherewith I haue fed you in wildernesse, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.