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Exodus 16:24 - Shabbat's miraculous preservation?

Exodus 16:24 - שמות 16:24

Hebrew Text

וַיַּנִּיחוּ אֹתוֹ עַד־הַבֹּקֶר כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה מֹשֶׁה וְלֹא הִבְאִישׁ וְרִמָּה לֹא־הָיְתָה בּוֹ׃

English Translation

And they laid it up till the morning, as Moshe commanded: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm in it.

Transliteration

Vayani'khu oto ad-haboker ka'asher tzivah Moshe velo hiv'ish verimah lo hayetah bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּנִּ֤יחוּ אֹתוֹ֙ עַד־הַבֹּ֔קֶר כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֣ה מֹשֶׁ֑ה וְלֹ֣א הִבְאִ֔ישׁ וְרִמָּ֖ה לֹא־הָ֥יְתָה בּֽוֹ׃
וַיַּנִּ֤יחוּ אֹתוֹ֙ עַד־הַבֹּ֔קֶר כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֣ה מֹשֶׁ֑ה וְלֹ֣א הִבְאִ֔ישׁ וְרִמָּ֖ה לֹא־הָ֥יְתָה בּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 16:24) describes the miraculous preservation of the מן (manna) that Bnei Yisrael collected on Friday in preparation for Shabbat. Unlike other days, when leftover manna would spoil, the portion set aside for Shabbat remained fresh, fulfilling Moshe's command.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that this miracle demonstrated the sanctity of Shabbat. The manna did not rot or produce worms—a clear sign of divine intervention, as natural decay was suspended in honor of the day. Rashi also notes that this was a test of faith, ensuring Bnei Yisrael would trust in Hashem's commandments even when they defied natural expectations.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam discusses how this miracle reinforced the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem). The suspension of natural law served as a tangible reminder that Shabbat observance is rooted in divine decree, not human logic.

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta teaches that the manna's preservation was a reward for keeping Shabbat, showing that mitzvah observance brings supernatural blessings.
  • Yalkut Shimoni adds that the absence of worms symbolized purity, paralleling Shabbat's power to elevate the physical world.

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 242:1) cites this verse to emphasize preparing for Shabbat in advance, as Bnei Yisrael did with the manna. The miracle underscores the importance of hachana l'Shabbat (preparation for Shabbat) as a foundational halachic principle.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the miracle of the manna, emphasizing how it remained fresh overnight as a sign of divine providence.
📖 Chullin 89a
Referenced in a broader discussion about the nature of miracles and divine commandments, illustrating the obedience of the Israelites to Moses' instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:24 mean?
A: This verse describes how the Jewish people followed Moshe's command regarding the manna (heavenly bread) they collected. Normally, food left overnight would spoil, but the manna remained fresh until morning as a miracle, showing Hashem's care for Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness.
Q: Why didn't the manna spoil overnight as Moshe commanded?
A: Rashi explains that this was a miracle demonstrating Hashem's kindness. While regular food spoils overnight, the manna remained fresh when left until morning as commanded (for Shabbat preparation), but would spoil if kept longer against Moshe's instructions (on weekdays).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 16:24?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 75b) derives from this that when we follow Hashem's commandments exactly as given, we merit to see divine providence in our lives. Just as the manna remained fresh when stored properly for Shabbat, observing mitzvot brings blessing.
Q: How does this verse relate to Shabbat?
A: As Rambam explains (Hilchot Shabbat 30:2), this miracle taught about Shabbat observance - they collected double on Friday (which didn't spoil overnight), showing we must prepare for Shabbat in advance and that no collection was allowed on Shabbat itself.
Q: Why is it important that there were no worms in the manna?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that the absence of worms - a normal sign of decay - was an extra miracle beyond just preventing bad smell. This showed the complete supernatural nature of the manna as pure, heavenly sustenance for Bnei Yisrael.