Exodus 16:18 - Divine portion control miracles

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּמֹדּוּ בָעֹמֶר וְלֹא הֶעְדִּיף הַמַּרְבֶּה וְהַמַּמְעִיט לֹא הֶחְסִיר אִישׁ לְפִי־אָכְלוֹ לָקָטוּ׃

English Translation

And when they did measure it with an ῾omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

Transliteration

Vayamodu va'omer velo he'edif hamarbeh vehamam'it lo hechsir ish lefi-ochlo laketu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּמֹ֣דּוּ בָעֹ֔מֶר וְלֹ֤א הֶעְדִּיף֙ הַמַּרְבֶּ֔ה וְהַמַּמְעִ֖יט לֹ֣א הֶחְסִ֑יר אִ֥ישׁ לְפִֽי־אׇכְל֖וֹ לָקָֽטוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Miracle of the Manna

The verse (Shemot 16:18) describes the miraculous nature of the mann (manna) that Bnei Yisrael gathered in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this teaches that regardless of how much or how little each person gathered, when they measured it with an omer, everyone had exactly what they needed—no more and no less. This demonstrated Hashem's precise providence in providing for His people.

Divine Providence and Equal Portions

The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that the mann was a test of faith—those who gathered more than an omer found that the excess disappeared, while those who gathered less discovered that their portion miraculously expanded to a full omer. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:12) notes that this miracle reinforced the principle that sustenance comes from Hashem in exact measure, teaching trust in Divine providence rather than human effort alone.

Spiritual and Physical Sustenance

The Talmud (Yoma 75a) teaches that the mann was not merely physical nourishment but also had spiritual qualities—it could adapt to each person's taste and needs. The Sforno adds that this miracle emphasized that material wealth is irrelevant when Hashem provides; what matters is one's spiritual readiness to receive sustenance with gratitude.

Rashi: The measurement equalized everyone's portion, showing Divine fairness.
Mechilta: A lesson against greed—excess would vanish, while lack was filled.
Rambam: Demonstrated reliance on Hashem rather than human accumulation.
Talmud (Yoma): The mann nourished both body and soul.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracle of the manna in the wilderness, illustrating how each person received exactly what they needed.

📖 Sotah 48b

The verse is cited in the context of discussing divine providence and how God provides for each individual according to their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 16:18 mean when it says 'he that gathered much had nothing over'?
A: This verse describes the miracle of the manna in the desert. According to Rashi, no matter how much or how little a person gathered, everyone ended up with exactly one omer per person (Exodus 16:16-18). This teaches that Hashem provides each person with exactly what they need.

Q: Why is the measurement of an omer important in Exodus 16:18?
A: The omer measurement shows that Hashem gave precise, measured sustenance to the Jewish people in the desert. The Talmud (Yoma 76a) explains this teaches us to trust in Hashem's providence - He gives each person exactly what they require, no more and no less.

Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 16:18 about gathering manna?
A: The Rambam teaches (Moreh Nevuchim 3:12) that this miracle teaches us to be content with what Hashem provides and not to be greedy. Just as everyone received exactly what they needed in the desert, we should trust that Hashem provides for our needs in the proper measure.

Q: How does Exodus 16:18 show Hashem's care for the Jewish people?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 3) explains that this verse demonstrates Hashem's kindness in making sure no one lacked food in the desert. Whether someone was strong and gathered much or weak and gathered little, everyone received exactly what they needed - showing Hashem's personal care for each individual.

Q: What does 'according to his eating' mean in Exodus 16:18?
A: Rashi explains this means each family received manna in proportion to how many people needed to be fed. A large family would find they had more manna, while a small family would have less - but all had exactly enough. This teaches that Hashem provides according to each person's actual needs.