This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
16. This is the thing. The exception The rule is here prescribed — the exception does not occur till verse 23. follows, that in gathering the food, they should take account of the Sabbath. A certain daily measure is prescribed; but they are commanded on the day before the Sabbath to lay up twice as much, that they may observe its rest.
God provides not merely what we need but what delights us: quail at evening, then manna at morning, descending with the dew. This teaches us that He gives us good things for more than bare necessity, that we may serve Him cheerfully, not grudgingly, and learn temperance by this plain and spare diet.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 16:13-21
This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded,.... Respecting the gathering of it, the rule or rules he would have observed concerning that, as follows: gather of it every man according to his eating; according to his appetite, and according to the appetites of those that were in his family, as much as they can all eat; and that they may have enough, the...