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Exodus 16:21 - Manna melts with midday sun?

Exodus 16:21 - שמות 16:21

Hebrew Text

וַיִּלְקְטוּ אֹתוֹ בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר אִישׁ כְּפִי אָכְלוֹ וְחַם הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְנָמָס׃

English Translation

And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun grew hot, it melted.

Transliteration

Vayilk'u oto baboker baboker ish k'fi achlo v'cham hashemesh v'namas.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּלְקְט֤וּ אֹתוֹ֙ בַּבֹּ֣קֶר בַּבֹּ֔קֶר אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִ֣י אׇכְל֑וֹ וְחַ֥ם הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ וְנָמָֽס׃
וַיִּלְקְט֤וּ אֹתוֹ֙ בַּבֹּ֣קֶר בַּבֹּ֔קֶר אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִ֣י אׇכְל֑וֹ וְחַ֥ם הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ וְנָמָֽס׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Gathering of the Manna

The verse describes the daily collection of mann (manna) by the Israelites in the wilderness. According to Rashi (Shemot 16:21), the phrase "בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר" ("every morning, every morning") emphasizes the consistency of this miracle—Hashem provided the manna each day without fail, reinforcing the people's trust in Divine providence.

Each According to His Need

The phrase "אִישׁ כְּפִי אָכְלוֹ" ("every man according to his eating") teaches that each person gathered according to their household’s needs. The Mechilta (Beshalach 4) explains that this was a test of faith—those who took more than necessary found that the excess melted away, while those who took less discovered that their portion miraculously sufficed.

The Melting of the Manna

The verse concludes that "וְחַם הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְנָמָס" ("when the sun grew hot, it melted"). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:12) notes that this phenomenon underscored the temporary nature of the manna—it could not be stored overnight (except before Shabbat), teaching the Israelites to rely on Hashem’s daily sustenance. The Sforno adds that the melting ensured no manna remained for those who delayed gathering it, reinforcing the importance of diligence in avodas Hashem.

Lessons in Emunah and Hishtadlus

  • Trust in Hashem: The daily provision of manna reinforced the principle of bitachon (trust in Divine care).
  • Moderation: Gathering only what was needed taught the value of contentment (sameach b’chelko).
  • Timeliness: The melting of the manna emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities for mitzvos without delay.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna that fell for the Israelites in the wilderness, illustrating how each person gathered according to their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the manna described in Exodus 16:21?
A: The manna was a miraculous food that Hashem provided for the Israelites in the desert. According to Rashi, it was called 'manna' because the people asked 'מן הוא' (What is it?), showing their wonder at this heavenly sustenance. It appeared each morning and melted when the sun grew hot.
Q: Why did the Israelites gather manna every morning?
A: The Israelites gathered manna every morning because it was their daily sustenance from Hashem in the wilderness. The Talmud (Yoma 75b) explains that this taught them to rely on Hashem's providence each day. They could not store extra (except before Shabbat), reinforcing trust in divine care.
Q: What does 'every man according to his eating' mean in Exodus 16:21?
A: This phrase means each person gathered only what they needed for that day's meals. Rambam teaches that this shows the importance of moderation and trusting in Hashem's provision. No one could hoard extra, as any leftover would spoil (except before Shabbat when a double portion fell).
Q: Why did the manna melt when the sun grew hot?
A: The manna melted in the heat to teach important spiritual lessons. Rashi explains that this prevented people from delaying to gather it - they had to rise early. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that it melted to prevent others from collecting it dishonestly, showing Hashem's precise providence.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the manna in Exodus 16:21?
A: The manna teaches us to trust in Hashem's daily blessings and not to worry excessively about material needs. As the Sifrei explains, just as Hashem provided for our ancestors in the wilderness, He provides for us today. It also teaches the importance of being content with what we need rather than chasing excess.