before the Testimony] That is, the Arke of the Covenant, afterwards set up, when the Israelites encamped at Mount Sinai, but here mentioned for conclusion of the story concerning Manna: and it was called the Testimony, because therein were the Tables of the Law, Deuteronomy 10:5. which was the Testimony, or Witnesse of the Covenant betwixt God and his people, and would testifie against them, if they transgressed against him; and in the ame Arke, Aarons rod and the Pot of Manna, kept testimony, or evidence of Gods power and favour: yet some conceive, they had some Tent, Tabernacle, or place of publique worship, before that curious piece of worke (whose description is afterwards exactly delivered) was erected.