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Exodus 16:25 - Shabbat: No manna today?

Exodus 16:25 - שמות 16:25

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אִכְלֻהוּ הַיּוֹם כִּי־שַׁבָּת הַיּוֹם לַיהוָה הַיּוֹם לֹא תִמְצָאֻהוּ בַּשָּׂדֶה׃

English Translation

And Moshe said, Eat that today; for today is a sabbath to the Lord: today you shall not find it in the field.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe ichlu'hu hayom ki-Shabat hayom la'Adonai hayom lo timtza'u'hu ba'sadeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אִכְלֻ֣הוּ הַיּ֔וֹם כִּֽי־שַׁבָּ֥ת הַיּ֖וֹם לַיהֹוָ֑ה הַיּ֕וֹם לֹ֥א תִמְצָאֻ֖הוּ בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אִכְלֻ֣הוּ הַיּ֔וֹם כִּֽי־שַׁבָּ֥ת הַיּ֖וֹם לַיהֹוָ֑ה הַיּ֕וֹם לֹ֥א תִמְצָאֻ֖הוּ בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 16:25) appears in the narrative of the manna, where Bnei Yisrael receive miraculous sustenance in the wilderness. Moshe instructs the people regarding the proper handling of the manna on Shabbat, emphasizing that no manna will appear in the field on that day.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 16:25) explains that Moshe's instruction, "Eat that today", refers to the double portion of manna collected on Friday (the lechem mishneh). He clarifies that the phrase "for today is a sabbath to the Lord" means that the manna already gathered should suffice, as no new manna will descend on Shabbat. Rashi further notes that the phrase "today you shall not find it in the field" serves as a warning against futile searching for manna on Shabbat.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shabbat (24:1), the Rambam derives from this verse that one must prepare food before Shabbat to avoid the appearance of labor. The absence of manna on Shabbat teaches the principle of hachana (preparation), reinforcing that one should not engage in activities on Shabbat that resemble weekday sustenance-gathering.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (Beshallach 16:25) elaborates that the manna's absence on Shabbat was a test of faith. Bnei Yisrael had to trust that the double portion from Friday would suffice, demonstrating their belief in Hashem's providence. Additionally, the Sifrei connects this verse to the broader concept of menuchah (rest) on Shabbat, where even the land and its produce participate in the sanctity of the day.

Halachic Implications

  • Preparation for Shabbat: The verse establishes the obligation to prepare meals before Shabbat begins (based on Rambam and Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 242).
  • Prohibition of Gathering: Just as searching for manna was forbidden, so too is harvesting or gathering food on Shabbat (derived from Talmud Shabbat 73a).
  • Trust in Divine Providence: The miracle of the double portion underscores the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem) in providing for one's needs on Shabbat.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:25 mean when it says 'today is a Sabbath to the Lord'?
A: This verse refers to the first time Shabbat (the Sabbath) is mentioned in the Torah. Moshe tells the Israelites to eat the manna they collected the day before because on Shabbat, no manna would appear in the field. This teaches us that Shabbat is a holy day dedicated to Hashem when we refrain from work, just as no manna was gathered on that day.
Q: Why didn't manna appear on Shabbat according to Exodus 16:25?
A: The absence of manna on Shabbat was a miracle to teach the Israelites about the sanctity of the day. Rashi explains that this demonstrated that Shabbat is a day of rest, and no work—even gathering food—should be done. Instead, they were to prepare in advance (collecting a double portion on Friday) and trust in Hashem's providence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 16:25 about Shabbat preparation?
A: This verse teaches the importance of preparing for Shabbat in advance (known as 'Hachnasat Shabbat'). Just as the Israelites gathered extra manna on Friday to avoid working on Shabbat, we prepare meals and set everything ready beforehand so we can honor Shabbat properly without mundane concerns.
Q: How does Exodus 16:25 connect to the laws of Shabbat today?
A: This verse establishes a foundational principle for Shabbat observance: refraining from work (melacha). The Talmud (Shabbat 87b) derives from here that certain types of labor—like gathering food—are prohibited. It also reinforces the concept of 'Oneg Shabbat' (delighting in Shabbat) by ensuring we have food prepared to enjoy the day.
Q: Why does the verse say 'Eat that today' in Exodus 16:25?
A: Moshe instructed the Israelites to eat the extra portion of manna they collected on Friday because it would not spoil overnight—a miracle that occurred only for Shabbat (Rashi on Exodus 16:24). This emphasizes that Shabbat is different from other days and that Hashem provides for our needs when we observe it properly.