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Exodus 16:16 - Divine portion for each tent

Exodus 16:16 - שמות 16:16

Hebrew Text

זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה לִקְטוּ מִמֶּנּוּ אִישׁ לְפִי אָכְלוֹ עֹמֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּלֶת מִסְפַּר נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם אִישׁ לַאֲשֶׁר בְּאָהֳלוֹ תִּקָּחוּ׃

English Translation

This is the thing which the Lord has commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an ῾omer for every man, according to the number of your persons shall you take it, every man for them who are in his tent.

Transliteration

Zeh ha-davar asher tzivah Adonai liktu mimeno ish lefi ochlo omer la-gulgole mispar nafshoteichem ish la-asher be-oholo tikachu.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֔ה לִקְט֣וּ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ אִ֖ישׁ לְפִ֣י אׇכְל֑וֹ עֹ֣מֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּ֗לֶת מִסְפַּר֙ נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאׇהֳל֖וֹ תִּקָּֽחוּ׃
זֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֔ה לִקְט֣וּ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ אִ֖ישׁ לְפִ֣י אׇכְל֑וֹ עֹ֣מֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּ֗לֶת מִסְפַּר֙ נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאׇהֳל֖וֹ תִּקָּֽחוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 16:16) appears in the context of the manna, the miraculous food provided by Hashem to Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. This instruction follows the initial appearance of the manna and outlines how the people should gather it.

Explanation of the Command

Rashi explains that the phrase "זֶה הַדָּבָר" ("This is the thing") emphasizes the precision of the command. The Torah specifies that each person should gather "עֹמֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּלֶת" (an omer per head), meaning a fixed measure for each individual, regardless of their personal appetite or strength. The measure of an omer was enough to sustain a person for the day.

Equal Portions for All

The Talmud (Yoma 75a) derives from this verse that the manna was distributed equally to all, regardless of individual needs. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:12) notes that this was a divine lesson in trust—each person received exactly what they required, reinforcing faith in Hashem's providence.

Gathering for One's Household

The phrase "אִישׁ לַאֲשֶׁר בְּאָהֳלוֹ תִּקָּחוּ" ("every man for them who are in his tent") teaches, as the Midrash (Mechilta) explains, that the head of the household was responsible for gathering on behalf of his family. This underscores the principle of collective responsibility within the family unit.

Lessons in Faith and Contentment

  • The fixed measure of an omer taught Bnei Yisrael to be satisfied with their portion and not to hoard, as any excess would spoil (Shemot 16:20).
  • The Sforno adds that this command cultivated gratitude, as each person recognized that their sustenance came directly from Hashem.
  • The Kli Yakar highlights that gathering "according to the number of your persons" ensured fairness, preventing disputes over unequal distribution.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna that fell in the wilderness, illustrating how each person gathered according to their need.
📖 Chullin 89b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about divine commandments and the specifics of how they were to be carried out by the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of 'an omer for every man' in Exodus 16:16?
A: In Exodus 16:16, the 'omer' was a specific measurement (approximately the volume of 43.2 eggs) that each person was commanded to gather for their daily portion of manna. Rashi explains that this amount was sufficient to sustain a person for one day, teaching us to trust in Hashem's daily provision.
Q: Why did Hashem command the Israelites to gather manna according to the number of people in their tents?
A: Hashem commanded this to teach the principle of fairness and individual responsibility. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) notes that each person received exactly what they needed—no more, no less—emphasizing that sustenance comes from Hashem and should not be hoarded. It also reinforced family unity, as each household gathered for its members.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the command to gather manna daily?
A: The daily gathering of manna teaches bitachon (trust in Hashem). As Rambam explains, this miracle showed that our sustenance is divinely ordained each day. Just as the Israelites couldn't store extra manna (except before Shabbat), we learn to rely on Hashem's providence daily rather than obsessing over future material needs.
Q: How does the manna miracle in Exodus 16:16 relate to Shabbat?
A: On Friday, the Israelites were commanded to gather a double portion (two omers per person) because no manna fell on Shabbat (Exodus 16:22). This teaches the sanctity of Shabbat—even food collection, a basic necessity, was prohibited. The Midrash (Mechilta) highlights how this established Shabbat observance in the wilderness.
Q: What does 'according to his eating' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'according to his eating' means portions varied based on individual needs—healthier people might require more, while others needed less. This shows Hashem's precise care for each person. The Talmud (Yoma 74b) adds that the manna could even taste like different foods depending on one's spiritual level.