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Exodus 16:5 - Double portion for Shabbat?

Exodus 16:5 - שמות 16:5

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי וְהֵכִינוּ אֵת אֲשֶׁר־יָבִיאוּ וְהָיָה מִשְׁנֶה עַל אֲשֶׁר־יִלְקְטוּ יוֹם יוֹם׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, on the sixth day when they shall prepare that which they bring in; that it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

Transliteration

Ve'haya ba'yom ha'shishi ve'hekhinu et asher-yavi'u ve'haya mishne al asher-yilketu yom yom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔י וְהֵכִ֖ינוּ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁר־יָבִ֑יאוּ וְהָיָ֣ה מִשְׁנֶ֔ה עַ֥ל אֲשֶֽׁר־יִלְקְט֖וּ י֥וֹם&thinsp
וְהָיָה֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁ֔י וְהֵכִ֖ינוּ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁר־יָבִ֑יאוּ וְהָיָ֣ה מִשְׁנֶ֔ה עַ֥ל אֲשֶֽׁר־יִלְקְט֖וּ י֥וֹם&thinsp

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 16:5) describes Hashem's instruction regarding the manna (מן) that would sustain Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. On the sixth day (ערב שבת), they were commanded to gather a double portion—one for that day and one for Shabbat—since no manna would descend on Shabbat.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (רש"י) comments that the phrase "וְהָיָה מִשְׁנֶה" ("it shall be twice as much") teaches that on Friday, Bnei Yisrael would find two omer-measures of manna instead of one. This miracle demonstrated that the extra portion was divinely ordained for Shabbat observance, reinforcing that no work—even gathering food—should be done on Shabbat.

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (הרמב"ם) in Moreh Nevuchim (3:32) explains that this miracle served as a foundational lesson in emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust in Hashem). By providing a double portion before Shabbat, Hashem ensured that Bnei Yisrael would not need to worry about sustenance on the day of rest, thereby allowing them to focus entirely on spiritual elevation.

Midrashic Insights

  • Mechilta D'Rabbi Yishmael highlights that the double portion was a test of obedience—whether Bnei Yisrael would follow Hashem’s command without hesitation, even when it defied their understanding of natural provision.
  • Midrash Tanchuma adds that the manna on Friday had a unique quality—it remained fresh for two days, unlike other days when leftover manna would spoil. This miracle underscored the sanctity of Shabbat.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Shabbat 117b) derives from this verse the mitzvah of לחם משנה (two loaves of bread) for Shabbat meals, symbolizing the double portion of manna. This practice, codified in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 274), serves as a perpetual reminder of Hashem’s providence and the sanctity of Shabbat.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracle of the manna, specifically how on the sixth day a double portion was provided in preparation for Shabbat.
📖 Shabbat 117b
The verse is cited in the context of laws regarding preparation for Shabbat, emphasizing the double portion of manna that was gathered on the sixth day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:5 mean when it says 'twice as much as they gather daily'?
A: This verse refers to the miracle of the manna (מן) that fell from heaven for the Israelites in the desert. On Friday (the sixth day), they were commanded to gather a double portion—enough for both Friday and Shabbat—because no manna would fall on Shabbat. This teaches us about preparing for Shabbat in advance (Rashi on Exodus 16:5).
Q: Why was a double portion of manna given on Friday?
A: A double portion was given on Friday to teach the Israelites (and future generations) the importance of honoring Shabbat by preparing in advance. Since collecting manna was forbidden on Shabbat (Exodus 16:29), Hashem provided extra on Friday to ensure they could rest properly (Mechilta on Exodus 16:5).
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 16:5 about Shabbat preparation?
A: Just as the Israelites prepared a double portion of manna before Shabbat, we learn to prepare all Shabbat needs—food, clothing, and other necessities—before Shabbat begins. This honors Shabbat and allows us to focus on spiritual matters (Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 30:1-2).
Q: How did the Israelites know to gather extra manna on Friday?
A: Moshe (Moses) informed them of Hashem's command that Friday's gathering would be different—they would find twice as much manna and needed to prepare it for Shabbat. This was both a test of their faith and a lesson in Shabbat observance (Shemot Rabbah 25:8).
Q: What does 'they shall prepare' mean in Exodus 16:5?
A: The phrase refers to both gathering the double portion of manna and preparing it for eating—cooking or baking as needed—before Shabbat began. This emphasizes that all food preparation must be completed before Shabbat (Talmud, Shabbat 117b).