Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 16:17 mean when it says the Israelites gathered 'some more, some less'?
A: This verse describes how the Israelites collected the manna in the wilderness. According to Rashi, even though people gathered different amounts, miraculously, when they measured it, everyone ended up with exactly one omer per person (Exodus 16:18). This teaches that G-d provides for each person according to their needs.
Q: Why is the gathering of manna in Exodus 16:17 important?
A: The manna story is important because it shows G-d's constant care for the Israelites in the wilderness. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) explains that the manna could taste like whatever the eater desired, demonstrating G-d's kindness. It also taught trust in G-d, as they could only gather enough for one day (except before Shabbat).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 16:17 about how much to gather?
A: The verse teaches us to be content with what we need rather than hoarding excessively. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:10) derives from this that a person should be satisfied with their portion. Just as the manna was provided daily, we should trust in G-d's daily providence and not be overly anxious about accumulating.
Q: How does the miracle of the manna in Exodus 16:17 apply to us today?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that the manna was given to teach Torah values. Today, we learn to trust in G-d's provision, avoid greed, and recognize that our sustenance comes from Heaven. Just as the manna fell near each person's tent according to their righteousness (Rashi on Exodus 16:13), we understand that blessings come according to our spiritual level.
Q: Why did G-d make everyone end up with the same amount of manna (Exodus 16:17-18)?
A: The miracle of everyone having exactly one omer (Exodus 16:18) regardless of how much they gathered teaches several lessons: 1) All of Israel is equal before G-d (Sforno), 2) Material possessions are ultimately controlled by G-d (Ibn Ezra), and 3) We should focus on spiritual rather than material accumulation (Talmud, Chagigah 12b).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Shemot 16:17) describes the gathering of the man (manna) in the wilderness, where Bnei Yisrael followed Hashem's command to collect it daily. The phrase "וַיַּעֲשׂוּ־כֵן" ("And they did so") emphasizes their obedience to the divine instruction, while "הַמַּרְבֶּה וְהַמַּמְעִיט" ("some more, some less") highlights the varying quantities collected by individuals.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Shemot 16:17) explains that despite the differences in how much each person gathered, everyone miraculously ended up with exactly one omer per person (as commanded in Shemot 16:16). This teaches that the amount collected was not dependent on human effort but on divine providence. Even those who gathered more or less found that their portion measured precisely one omer when they brought it home.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam discusses the miracle of the man as a lesson in divine hashgacha (providence). The fact that everyone received exactly what they needed, regardless of how much they gathered, demonstrates that sustenance comes from Hashem alone, reinforcing the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem).
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Yoma 75a) derives from this verse that one should not be overly concerned with amassing wealth, since sustenance is predetermined by Hashem. Just as Bnei Yisrael could not gather more than their allotted portion, so too are a person's material needs fixed by divine decree.