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Numbers 11:9 - Divine dew nourishes with manna.

Numbers 11:9 - במדבר 11:9

Hebrew Text

וּבְרֶדֶת הַטַּל עַל־הַמַּחֲנֶה לָיְלָה יֵרֵד הַמָּן עָלָיו׃

English Translation

And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

Transliteration

Uveredet hatal al-hamahane laila yered haman alav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְרֶ֧דֶת הַטַּ֛ל עַל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה לָ֑יְלָה יֵרֵ֥ד הַמָּ֖ן עָלָֽיו׃
וּבְרֶ֧דֶת הַטַּ֛ל עַל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה לָ֑יְלָה יֵרֵ֥ד הַמָּ֖ן עָלָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 11:9) describes the miraculous descent of the mann (manna) that sustained Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. The manna was a daily manifestation of Hashem's providence, falling each night alongside the dew.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 11:9) explains that the dew served two purposes:

  • Protection: A layer of dew descended before the manna to protect it from dirt and insects, ensuring its purity.
  • Preservation: A second layer of dew covered the manna after it fell, preserving its freshness until morning (based on Shemos 16:13-14).

Symbolism of Dew and Manna

The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Beshalach 258) teaches that dew symbolizes divine kindness (chesed), as it nourishes the world effortlessly. The manna, descending with the dew, represents:

  • Divine Sustenance: Just as dew comes without human toil, the manna was a gift requiring only faith in Hashem's provision.
  • Spiritual Refinement: The Sages (Mechilta, Beshalach) note that the manna was absorbed entirely by the body, leaving no waste—a metaphor for pure spiritual nourishment.

Halachic Insights

The Rambam (Hilchos Berachos 1:5) derives from this verse that blessings over food are recited only after dew has evaporated in the morning, paralleling the time when Bnei Yisrael gathered the manna (Shemos 16:21). This reinforces the connection between physical sustenance and divine timing.

Lessons in Emunah

The Talmud (Yoma 75a) emphasizes that the manna tested Bnei Yisrael's trust in Hashem—it could not be stored overnight (except before Shabbos), teaching reliance on daily providence. The dew's role underscores that even the "wrapper" of a miracle (i.e., the natural-seeming dew) is part of Hashem's hidden kindness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna that fell for the Israelites in the wilderness, illustrating how the manna descended with the dew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the manna falling with the dew?
A: According to Rashi, the manna descended with the dew to protect it from dirt and dust, ensuring it remained pure and clean for the Jewish people to eat. The dew acted as a protective layer, reflecting Hashem's kindness in providing sustenance in the most dignified way.
Q: Why did the manna fall specifically at night?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 75b) explains that the manna fell at night so the Jewish people would wake up to find their food already prepared, demonstrating Hashem's care for them in the wilderness. This also taught them to trust in Divine providence daily.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the way the manna was provided?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 25:6) teaches that the manna, which came in exact portions without waste, reminds us to be grateful for what we have and to avoid greed. It also symbolizes that our sustenance comes from Hashem, and we must rely on Him rather than our own efforts alone.
Q: How does the manna relate to Shabbat observance?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Shabbat 30:6) explains that a double portion of manna fell before Shabbat (Exodus 16:22), teaching us to prepare for Shabbat in advance. This miracle reinforced the sanctity of Shabbat, showing that even in the wilderness, the Jewish people kept Shabbat by not gathering manna on that day.