The children of Israel proved to have short memories. They forgot about the ten plagues and the exodus from Egypt. The Red Sea parting was a distant memory. Their memory overlooked Marah’s bitter waters turned sweet.
When Israel arrived at the wilderness of Sin, all of these events had transpired in the last two months (Ex. 16:1). All of God’s blessings and provision couldn’t be recounted when they began to get hungry in the wilderness. Their hunger also seemed to have impacted their reality. For they began to believe that it was better in Egypt than in the wilderness. It’s ironic they could recall the flesh pots in Egypt, but couldn’t remember the whips and chains. Furthermore, it’s sad they could evoke memories of being filled to the full in Egypt, but couldn’t remember God quenching their thirst at Marah.
God is so gracious and long-suffering! Israel hadn’t been away from Egypt for more than two months and they already wanted to go back. God wasn’t turned off by Israel’s short memory, or lack of gratitude. Rather than lead them back to Egypt, He graciously gave them bread from heaven. The Lord gave them what they needed, and most certainly didn’t deserve.
Grace was given at the wilderness of Sin. Dear reader, here is the gospel! Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Rom. 5:20). The murmuring of sin in our hearts didn’t keep God from giving us what we needed and didn’t deserve. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life come down from heaven, given to fulfill our soul’s hunger. The manna had to be gathered daily and eaten. Likewise, Jesus Christ, the source of life, must be continually appropriated through faith (Jn. 6:35-51).