RESOURCES MANAGEMENT FOR ECONOMICS SUSTAINABILITY: A RE-READING OF EXODUS 16:16-20 AND CLOSE EXAMINATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL (SDG) #12

Effective resource management is crucial for achieving long-term economic sustainability, especially in balancing human needs with environmental preservation for future generations. The convergence of faith-based principles and contemporary sustainability models provides important perspectives on equitable resource management. The biblical account in Exodus 16:16-20, which describes the provision of manna to the Israelites during their time in the wilderness, serves as an early illustration of divine instruction on resource management that promotes fairness, adequacy, and ecological harmony. Similarly, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #12 focuses on responsible consumption and production, with the objective of minimizing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. This paper intends to explore the significance of the resource management principles found in Exodus 16:16-20 within the framework of modern economic sustainability, particularly in relation to SDG #12. By incorporating theological, ethical, and practical viewpoints, the research aims to provide a distinctive interpretation of biblical teachings as they relate to sustainable resource utilization and consumption in contemporary society. The paper delves deeper into how ancient teachings can inform and improve modern approaches to economic sustainability and responsible consumption. It utilizes a qualitative analysis through a two-pronged methodology, a detailed reading and theological assessment of Exodus 16:16-20, focusing on the principles of resource distribution and management present in the scripture, and a comparative study with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #12 to assess the applicability of these principles in today's resource management practices. This analysis is further enriched by literature on sustainable development and economic sustainability, establishing a theoretical framework that illustrates the alignment of biblical values with contemporary sustainability efforts. The results reveal several significant themes within Exodus 16:16-20 that correspond with the principles of SDG #12, including equitable distribution, waste reduction, community-oriented resource management, and reverence for nature. The study concludes that the teachings found in Exodus 16:16-20 provide enduring insights that can enhance current practices in sustainable resource management. By prioritizing fairness, minimizing waste, and fostering community engagement, the narrative lays a groundwork for ethical resource management that promotes long-term economic sustainability. Furthermore, these principles are directly relevant to achieving the objectives outlined in SDG #12, offering essential perspectives for policymakers, communities, and individuals striving for economic sustainability. This paper advocates for the integration of ethical and moral teachings from religious texts, such as Exodus 16:16-20, into modern sustainability education and policies to promote responsible resource utilization and encourage collaboration among theologians, economists, environmental scientists, and policymakers in developing comprehensive strategies for economic sustainability. Keywords: Resource Management, Economic Sustainability, Equitable Distribution, Social Justice, Environmental Stewardship