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Exodus 16:20 - Defying manna's trust test?

Exodus 16:20 - שמות 16:20

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־שָׁמְעוּ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וַיּוֹתִרוּ אֲנָשִׁים מִמֶּנּוּ עַד־בֹּקֶר וַיָּרֻם תּוֹלָעִים וַיִּבְאַשׁ וַיִּקְצֹף עֲלֵהֶם מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

But they hearkened not to Moshe; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moshe was angry with them.

Transliteration

Velo shamu el Moshe vayotiru anashim mimenu ad boker vayarum tolaim vayivash vayiktzof aleihem Moshe

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיּוֹתִ֨רוּ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ עַד־בֹּ֔קֶר וַיָּ֥רֻם תּוֹלָעִ֖ים וַיִּבְאַ֑שׁ וַיִּקְצֹ֥ף עֲלֵהֶ֖ם מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וְלֹא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיּוֹתִ֨רוּ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ עַד־בֹּ֔קֶר וַיָּ֥רֻם תּוֹלָעִ֖ים וַיִּבְאַ֑שׁ וַיִּקְצֹ֥ף עֲלֵהֶ֖ם מֹשֶֽׁה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 16:20) describes the aftermath of the command regarding the manna (מן), the miraculous food provided to Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. Hashem instructed through Moshe that no one should leave any manna overnight, except in preparation for Shabbat. Despite this clear directive, some individuals disobeyed, leading to the described consequences.

Disobedience and Its Consequences

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיּוֹתִרוּ אֲנָשִׁים מִמֶּנּוּ" ("some of them left of it") refers to the רשעים (wicked ones) among Bnei Yisrael who deliberately tested Hashem’s word by leaving manna overnight. The manna then rotted, bred worms, and emitted a foul odor—a direct result of their defiance. The Sforno adds that this demonstrated the manna’s miraculous nature: it remained fresh only when adhering to Hashem’s command.

Moshe’s Anger

The verse concludes with "וַיִּקְצֹף עֲלֵהֶם מֹשֶׁה" ("Moshe was angry with them"). Ramban notes that Moshe’s anger was not merely due to their disobedience but because their actions reflected a lack of emunah (faith) in Hashem’s providence. The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshallach 20) elaborates that this incident served as a lesson for future generations about the importance of trusting in Hashem’s instructions.

Symbolic Lessons

  • Faith in Divine Providence: The manna’s spoilage symbolized that blessings are sustained only through adherence to Hashem’s will (Mechilta Beshallach).
  • Consequences of Stubbornness: The worms and stench were tangible punishments for those who doubted Hashem’s word (Ibn Ezra).
  • Leadership’s Role: Moshe’s anger underscored the responsibility of leaders to rebuke those who stray from Torah (Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 6:7).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna and the consequences of not following Moses' instructions regarding its collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:20 mean?
A: Exodus 16:20 describes how some people disobeyed Moshe's (Moses') instruction not to leave the manna (the miraculous food from Heaven) overnight. Those who kept it until morning found it spoiled—full of worms and with a foul smell. This verse teaches the importance of following divine commandments precisely.
Q: Why did the manna spoil overnight?
A: The manna spoiled overnight as a test from Hashem (G-d) to see if Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) would follow His commandments with trust. Rashi explains that keeping manna overnight showed a lack of faith in Hashem's promise to provide fresh manna daily (Exodus 16:4).
Q: Why was Moshe angry in Exodus 16:20?
A: Moshe was angry because the people disobeyed Hashem's clear instruction through him. The Midrash teaches that this anger was not personal but reflected the seriousness of defying divine commandments, especially when Hashem was providing for them miraculously in the wilderness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 16:20 today?
A: This verse teaches us to trust in Hashem's providence and follow His commandments without hesitation. Just as the manna was given daily, we must rely on Hashem's blessings each day and not hoard out of distrust (as explained in Pirkei Avot 3:15 about living with faith).
Q: How does this verse relate to Shabbat?
A: Although this verse refers to a weekday, it contrasts with the miracle of Shabbat—when manna did not spoil if collected in advance for Shabbat (Exodus 16:22-24). This shows the sanctity of Shabbat, where Hashem provided differently to honor the day of rest (as discussed in Talmud Shabbat 117b).