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.

EXODUS 16:9KJV
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Exodus 16:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 16:9 mean?

Exodus 16:9 describes Moses instructing Aaron to gather all the Israelites and tell them to come close to God, because God has heard their complaints. The verse shows that God is aware of the people's struggles and is inviting them to approach Him directly.

Moses is speaking to Aaron, his brother and helper, during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The people have been complaining about their lack of food, and God responds by calling them to come near, signaling that He is listening and will address their needs. This moment sets up God’s provision of manna, showing both His awareness and His willingness to respond to the people's concerns.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 16:9

  • The word for "congregation" is עֵדָה (ʿēdāh), which means a gathered assembly or community. This highlights that the message is for the entire group, not just a few individuals.
  • The word for "murmurings" is תְּלוּנָּה (telunnāh), which refers to complaints or grumblings. This word carries a sense of dissatisfaction or protest, showing the emotional state of the people.
  • The word for "come near" is קָרַב (qārav), which means to draw close or approach. Here, it suggests not just physical nearness but also being attentive to God’s presence and response.

Why Exodus 16:9 matters

  • Exodus 16:9 shows that God is not distant or unaware; He hears the people's complaints and invites them to come near, emphasizing His attentiveness and care.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the following events, where God provides for the Israelites’ needs, making it clear that their concerns are being addressed directly by God.
  • By involving Aaron as the spokesperson, the verse highlights the leadership structure among the Israelites and the importance of clear communication between God, leaders, and the people.

Where else these words appear

“murmurings” Hebrew H8519 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 16:7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?
  • Exodus 16:12 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.
  • Numbers 17:5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.