King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:10 Mean?

Exodus 16:10 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the w... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

Exodus 16:10 · KJV


Context

8

And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

9

And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

10

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

11

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud—The glory (כָּבוֹד, kavod) appearing in the cloud manifests God's presence in response to Israel's unbelief. Looking 'toward the wilderness' (מִדְבָּר, midbar) rather than toward Egypt signifies the proper orientation: forward in faith, not backward in unbelief. The cloud, which had guided them, now becomes the vehicle for glory's manifestation. This theophany precedes provision, showing God's character before His gifts. Paul sees this cloud-covered glory as baptism (1 Cor 10:2), prefiguring union with Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This visible manifestation of God's glory in the cloud reassured Israel of divine presence despite the barren wilderness. The glory validated Moses and Aaron's leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God reveal His glory before providing bread, rather than after?
  2. How does looking 'toward the wilderness' in faith differ from looking back to Egypt in unbelief?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּדַבֵּ֤ר2 of 16

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אַֽהֲרֹן֙3 of 16

And it came to pass as Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל5 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲדַ֣ת6 of 16

unto the whole congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵֽי7 of 16

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל8 of 16

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיִּפְנ֖וּ9 of 16

that they looked

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר11 of 16

toward the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְהִנֵּה֙12 of 16
H2009

lo!

כְּב֣וֹד13 of 16

and behold the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֔ה14 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נִרְאָ֖ה15 of 16

appeared

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בֶּֽעָנָֽן׃16 of 16

in the cloud

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 16:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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