share torah logo

Exodus 16:26 - Shabbat: No gathering, only rest.

Exodus 16:26 - שמות 16:26

Hebrew Text

שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תִּלְקְטֻהוּ וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לֹא יִהְיֶה־בּוֹ׃

English Translation

Six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, on it there shall be none.

Transliteration

Sheshet yamim tilketuhu uvayom hashvi'i shabat lo yihyeh bo.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים תִּלְקְטֻ֑הוּ וּבַיּ֧וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֛י שַׁבָּ֖ת לֹ֥א יִֽהְיֶה־בּֽוֹ׃
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים תִּלְקְטֻ֑הוּ וּבַיּ֧וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֛י שַׁבָּ֖ת לֹ֥א יִֽהְיֶה־בּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Exodus 16:26) appears in the narrative of the manna, the miraculous food provided to the Israelites in the wilderness. The verse establishes the prohibition against gathering manna on Shabbat, reinforcing the sanctity of the seventh day.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תִּלְקְטֻהוּ" ("Six days you shall gather it") teaches that gathering manna was permitted only on the six weekdays, while "וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לֹא יִהְיֶה־בּוֹ" ("but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there shall be none") emphasizes that no manna would descend on Shabbat. This served as a test and lesson for Bnei Yisrael to observe Shabbat fully, trusting in Hashem's providence.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shabbat (Laws of Shabbat), Rambam (Maimonides) derives from this verse that the prohibition of gathering manna on Shabbat is a prototype for the broader melachah (forbidden labor) of kotzer (reaping). This establishes a Torah-level prohibition against harvesting on Shabbat, which extends to other forms of gathering or collecting.

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael notes that the absence of manna on Shabbat demonstrated that the day itself was inherently holy, requiring no labor—even for sustenance.
  • Shemot Rabbah teaches that the double portion gathered on Friday (Exodus 16:22) symbolized the neshama yetera (additional soul) granted on Shabbat, enabling spiritual elevation beyond physical needs.

Halachic Implications

The verse underscores the principle of menucha (rest) on Shabbat, not only refraining from labor but also trusting in Hashem's provision. The Talmud (Shabbat 117b) links this to the prohibition of preparing food on Shabbat, as the Israelites were forbidden even to "gather" what was already available.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 87b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of Shabbat and the gathering of manna, illustrating the prohibition of gathering on the Sabbath.
📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the miracle of the manna and the observance of Shabbat during the Israelites' time in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:26 mean?
A: This verse refers to the manna (heavenly bread) that fell for the Israelites in the desert. Hashem commanded them to gather manna for six days, but not on Shabbat, teaching them to observe the sanctity of the seventh day.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is one of the earliest Torah sources for the mitzvah of Shabbat. It teaches that even when gathering food—a basic necessity—we must refrain from work on Shabbat, showing complete trust in Hashem's providence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 16:26?
A: The verse teaches that Shabbat observance requires preparation (gathering extra on Friday) and faith (trusting that no manna will fall on Shabbat). This applies to all Shabbat preparations today—we must prepare beforehand to properly honor the holy day.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Shabbat observance?
A: Just as the Israelites prepared food before Shabbat, we too must prepare meals and make necessary arrangements before Shabbat begins. The verse also reinforces that we must completely refrain from melacha (forbidden work) on Shabbat, just as no manna was gathered then.
Q: Why didn't manna fall on Shabbat?
A: Rashi explains that the absence of manna on Shabbat was a miraculous sign from Hashem to reinforce the sanctity of Shabbat. It showed that Shabbat is inherently holy and that sustenance comes from Hashem—we don't need to 'work' for it on the day of rest.