Exodus 16:22 - Double portion for Shabbat?

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Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי לָקְטוּ לֶחֶם מִשְׁנֶה שְׁנֵי הָעֹמֶר לָאֶחָד וַיָּבֹאוּ כָּל־נְשִׂיאֵי הָעֵדָה וַיַּגִּידוּ לְמֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered a double provision, two ῾omer for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayhi bayom hashishi laketu lechem mishnei shnei ha'omer la'echad vayavo'u kol-nesi'ei ha'edah vayagidu lemoshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י&thinsp

Parasha Commentary

The Double Portion on the Sixth Day

The verse describes the miraculous provision of a double portion of manna on the sixth day (Friday) in preparation for Shabbat. Rashi (Shemot 16:22) explains that this was a clear sign from Hashem that no manna would fall on Shabbat, as the people were commanded to rest. The double portion (לחם משנה) demonstrated Divine providence and reinforced the sanctity of Shabbat.

The Role of the Princes

Ramban (Shemot 16:22) notes that the princes of the congregation came to Moshe to report this unusual occurrence. This indicates their leadership role in ensuring proper observance of mitzvot. The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 22) suggests they came with humility, recognizing Moshe's superior prophetic connection to understand this phenomenon.

Spiritual Lessons from the Double Portion

The Sforno teaches that this miracle established the principle of "היכון לקראת אלקיך ישראל" - one must prepare to meet Hashem, especially for Shabbat.
The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the double portion came without extra effort, teaching that Shabbat blessings come effortlessly when observing Hashem's commandments.
Rabbeinu Bachya notes this foreshadowed the double portion of Torah reading (משנה תורה) we receive on Shabbat through the additional parsha.

The Measurement Significance

The specification of "two omer for one" (שני העמר לאחד) is explained by the Mechilta as demonstrating that each person received exactly what they needed - no more, no less. This precision showed Hashem's intimate knowledge of each individual's requirements, a lesson in bitachon (trust in Divine providence).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 87b

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the double portion of manna that fell on Friday, which is connected to the laws of preparing for Shabbat.

📖 Yoma 75a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the miracle of the manna and how it demonstrated God's providence for the Israelites in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites gather double the amount of manna on the sixth day?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 16:22), the double portion of manna on the sixth day (Friday) was provided so that the Israelites would not need to gather food on Shabbat (the Sabbath), which is a day of rest. This teaches us about the importance of preparing for Shabbat in advance.

Q: What is the significance of the 'omer' measurement mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'omer' was a biblical measurement (approximately 2 liters). Here, each person received two omers on the sixth day instead of one. Rambam (Hilchos Shabbos 30:1) explains that this miracle reinforced the sanctity of Shabbat by ensuring no work (like gathering food) would be needed on that day.

Q: Why did the leaders of the community report to Moshe about the double portion?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta D'Rabbi Yishmael 16:22) explains that the leaders came to Moshe out of concern—whether they were permitted to keep the extra portion overnight, as leftover manna usually spoiled by morning. Moshe clarified that this extra portion was for Shabbat and would miraculously remain fresh (Exodus 16:23-24).

Q: How does this verse teach us about trusting in Hashem's providence?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 76a) derives from this episode that when we honor Shabbat by preparing for it, Hashem provides for our needs. The double portion of manna was a test of faith, showing that obedience to Shabbat laws brings divine blessing.

Q: Is there a practical lesson from this verse for how we observe Shabbat today?
A: Yes! Just as the Israelites prepared food beforehand, halacha (Jewish law, based on Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 242:1) requires us to prepare meals, set the table, and complete all necessary preparations before Shabbat begins, honoring it as a day of rest and holiness.