Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

A month after leaving Egypt and all the miracles that Jehovah used to rescue the Israelites, they are complaining again about their situation in Exodus 16.

God chooses to provide manna and quail for them. The quail fly into camp in the evening and manna is on the ground the next morning. Manna is roughly translated from the Hebrew as “What is it?” It, literally, was unknown to the people. This is another miracle. It is also placed in the Arc of the Covenant after it is built.

Exodus 17 begins with a statement that the Israelites traveled at the discretion of Yahweh.  Despite His direction they still complained about occasional discomforts.  They do not fully trust in His provision.  At His instruction, Moses struck a rock and water flowed from it.

Joshua led the fighting forces as they faced the Amalekites and defeated them.  The staff of God was the symbol of His fighting for the Jews.  A scroll is written to remind Joshua to continue this battle until Amalek is completely wiped off the face of the earth.  Their sin will not be forgiven.  Individuals may survive, not the nation.

Jethro, Moses’ Father-in-law is brought back into the picture in Exodus 18.  We are again told that he is from Midian and is a priest.  The stories that Moses told his Father-in-Law, made him acknowledge how great the God of Israel was.  Even outsiders seemed to believe in God more than the Jews.

He also helped Moses streamline the way that disputes and questions were handled.  A hierarchy was established with only the most difficult situations being brought to God through His servant Moses.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger