Exodus 16:1  “…on the fifteenth day of the second month…”
They left immediately after Passover which was on the 14th day of the first month, so they’ve been out a  month so far.  They haven’t traveled enough distance for that time, so obviously they’ve been resting some and taking their time.  Moving that much livestock would also have slowed them down somewhat.

2  “…whole congregation of the children of Israel complained…”
Here we go.  No faith, no trust.  Can’t even just ask.  They have to whine and complain.

3  “…pots of meat and when we ate bread…”
Selective memory.  Suddenly they remember plenty of food, but nothing of the oppressive treatment at the hand of the Egyptians.  Never any mention of crying out to God for help.

4  “…people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them…”
God is going to supply manna from Heaven for them.  He’ll send it Sunday through Friday.  Each day they’ll only collect what they can use for that day, except on Friday when they collect enough for Friday and Saturday since Saturday is the Sabbath.  And God will see if they can follow this simplest of rules.

8  “…Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD”
The people whined at Moses and Aaron.  Moses calls them on it.  Moses and Aaron aren’t the ones doing things, it’s God.  Their complaints are against Him, and He has heard them.  People never think.  They always take the easy route out.  Take a shot at whoever is right in front of them.  This won’t be the last time.  I wonder if it was easier for the people, the complainers.  A form of denial.  Directing their anger at Moses, they didn’t have to acknowledge God.  Could have been at the heart of their lack of faith.

10  “…the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud”
We’re not told exactly how that was manifested.  Probably some bright radiance shining out.  At any rate, was different than usual to show that God was listening and paying attention.  And it got the people’s attention.

12  “…At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread…”
God is going to provide quail and manna.  I recalled another instance when the people complained and God brought in quail, so took the time to compare the two.  Apparently, the people were still close enough to the Red Sea where the quail usually migrated.  God brought them in for them in the evenings and then dropped manna down during the night.  In Numbers, when the people finally move out from Sinai, they must have gotten away from the quail and were eating only manna, so they complain again.  God brings in quail then also, but the people will pay for their whining.

15  “…What is it?…”
The question and thus a good name for it.  Manna, what is it.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.