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Exodus 16:32 - Preserve manna for future generations?

Exodus 16:32 - שמות 16:32

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה מְלֹא הָעֹמֶר מִמֶּנּוּ לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם לְמַעַן יִרְאוּ אֶת־הַלֶּחֶם אֲשֶׁר הֶאֱכַלְתִּי אֶתְכֶם בַּמִּדְבָּר בְּהוֹצִיאִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And Moshe said, This is the thing which the Lord commands, Fill an ῾omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out from the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe zeh ha'davar asher tziva Adonai melo ha'omer mimenu l'mishmeret l'doroteichem l'ma'an yir'u et ha'lechem asher he'echalti etchem ba'midbar b'hotzi'i etchem me'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה זֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֔ה מְלֹ֤א הָעֹ֙מֶר֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ לְמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם לְמַ֣עַן&thinsp
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה זֶ֤ה הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר צִוָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֔ה מְלֹ֤א הָעֹ֙מֶר֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ לְמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם לְמַ֣עַן&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Preserve the Manna

The verse (Shemot 16:32) describes Moshe instructing the Israelites to preserve an omer of manna as a testimony for future generations. Rashi explains that this was a specific command from Hashem to set aside a portion of the miraculous bread that sustained them in the wilderness. The purpose was to serve as a tangible reminder of Divine providence.

Purpose of the Manna as a Reminder

According to Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), the preservation of the manna served multiple purposes:

  • To demonstrate the miracle of sustenance in the wilderness, where natural means of food were unavailable
  • To strengthen future generations' faith in Hashem's ability to provide
  • To serve as physical evidence of the Exodus narrative

The Measure of an Omer

The Talmud (Yoma 75a) discusses why specifically an omer measure was commanded. This was:

  • The standard daily portion each Israelite received (Shemot 16:16)
  • Small enough to be preserved indefinitely as a testimony
  • Large enough to be noticeable and meaningful

Spiritual Lessons from the Manna

The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) elaborates on deeper meanings:

  • The manna taught complete dependence on Hashem - it couldn't be stored overnight (except for Shabbat)
  • It appeared each morning, reinforcing the concept of daily renewal of faith
  • Different people experienced it differently - tasting according to their spiritual level

Historical Context

Ibn Ezra notes that this command came after the initial complaints about food, showing that even when the people doubted, Hashem provided both immediate sustenance and a lasting memorial of His kindness. The manna was kept in the Ark along with the Tablets and Aharon's staff (Bava Batra 14a), forming a triad of fundamental Jewish proofs of Divine involvement in our history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness, emphasizing its significance as a divine provision.
📖 Menachot 99b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the preservation of the manna as a testimony for future generations, highlighting its role in remembering God's miracles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'omer' mentioned in Exodus 16:32?
A: The 'omer' is a biblical unit of measurement (approximately 2.2 liters). In this verse, Moshe commands the Jewish people to preserve an omer of manna as a testimony for future generations, showing how Hashem miraculously sustained them in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this was kept in a jar next to the Ark of the Covenant as a remembrance.
Q: Why did Hashem command to keep a jar of manna for future generations?
A: According to the Midrash (Mechilta), the jar of manna served as a tangible reminder of Hashem's constant care and miracles during the 40 years in the desert. Rambam teaches that this was to strengthen future generations' faith in Divine providence, showing that Hashem provides sustenance in all circumstances.
Q: How does the manna relate to our lives today?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 76a) derives from the manna that one should trust in Hashem for their sustenance. Just as the manna fell daily, we recognize that our livelihood comes from Hashem each day. The Chovos HaLevavos explains that this teaches us to focus on spiritual growth rather than excessive material concerns.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the manna being preserved 'for your generations'?
A: The Sforno teaches that this teaches the importance of transmitting our mesorah (tradition) to future generations. Just as the manna was preserved as physical evidence of Hashem's miracles, we must preserve and pass down the stories of Divine intervention in Jewish history to strengthen our children's faith.
Q: Why is the Exodus from Egypt mentioned in connection with the manna?
A: Rashi explains that the Exodus and the manna are fundamentally connected - both demonstrate Hashem's complete control over nature and His special relationship with the Jewish people. The Ramban adds that the manna was a continuation of the Exodus miracles, showing that Hashem's providence didn't end when they left Egypt but continued throughout their journey.