Exodus 16:24

KJV

And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they laid it up {H3240} till the morning {H1242}, as Moses {H4872} bade {H6680}: and it did not stink {H887}, neither was there any worm {H7415} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

They set it aside till morning, as Moshe had ordered; and it didn't rot or have worms.

Berean Standard Bible

So they set it aside until morning as Moses had commanded, and it did not smell or contain any maggots.

American Standard Version

And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not become foul, neither was there any worm therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:24 powerfully illustrates God's miraculous provision and His endorsement of the Sabbath principle. Following Moses' instruction to gather a double portion of manna on the sixth day, the Israelites observed that this portion, unlike manna collected on other days, remained perfectly preserved overnight. This supernatural preservation, marked by the absence of decay or infestation, served as a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to sustain His people even during their mandated day of rest, reinforcing their dependence on His daily care rather than their own efforts or anxieties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 16:24 is situated within the broader narrative of God's provision for Israel in the wilderness, immediately following their exodus from Egypt and their initial grumbling for food. The preceding verses, [Exodus 16:1-15](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1-15 - God Promises Manna and Quail"), detail the Israelites' complaints and God's gracious response by promising to "rain bread from heaven" (manna) and provide quail. Specific instructions were given regarding the daily collection of manna—an omer per person—and a strict prohibition against leaving any overnight, which resulted in spoiling and worms if disobeyed, as seen in [Exodus 16:20](/exodus/16-20 "Exodus 16:20 - Manna Spoiling Due to Disobedience"). The unique instruction for the sixth day, to gather a double portion in preparation for the Sabbath, sets the stage for the miraculous preservation described in verse 24, underscoring the divine authority behind the Sabbath command itself. The passage culminates in the establishment of the Sabbath as a perpetual sign between God and Israel, detailed in [Exodus 16:25-30](/exodus/16-25 "Exodus 16:25-30 - Sabbath Observance Confirmed").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a vast multitude recently freed from slavery in Egypt, found themselves in a desolate wilderness with no natural means of sustenance. Their journey was one of complete dependence on God, a stark contrast to their previous lives in a fertile land. In the ancient Near East, food preservation was a constant challenge, relying on methods like drying, salting, or fermentation. The rapid decay of food, especially in a warm climate, was a common experience. Against this backdrop, the manna's miraculous appearance and its specific, divinely ordained spoilage patterns—spoiling on any day if hoarded, but remaining fresh on the Sabbath—served as a powerful, daily object lesson. This daily miracle not only provided physical nourishment but also instilled critical spiritual lessons: trust in God's immediate provision, obedience to His commands, and the sanctity of the Sabbath. This pre-Sinai establishment of the Sabbath through practical experience prepared the people for its formal codification as one of the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day").

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:24 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's unfailing commitment to sustain His people in impossible circumstances, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and natural processes. It also highlights **Obedience and Trust**, as the Israelites' willingness to follow Moses' specific instructions regarding the manna, particularly the double portion for the Sabbath, was met with miraculous affirmation. This contrasts with their previous disobedience and grumbling. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Sanctity of the Sabbath**, revealing God's intention to set apart a day for rest and worship, a principle established even before the giving of the Law at Sinai. The unique preservation of the manna on the sixth day for the seventh day of rest serves as a tangible sign of God's blessing on this divine rhythm, teaching Israel to cease from their labors and rely on His sustaining power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid it up (Hebrew, _yânach'_):** This verb signifies to deposit, set down, or allow to stay. In this context, it refers to the Israelites' act of storing the manna overnight, specifically the double portion gathered on the sixth day. The significance lies in the contrast: while manna hoarded on other days would spoil, this portion, laid up according to Moses' command, was divinely preserved, highlighting the obedient act and God's unique blessing on the Sabbath provision.
* **stink (Hebrew, _bâʼash'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to smell bad" or "to be offensive morally." In the context of food, it denotes putrefaction and foul odor, the natural consequence of decay. The explicit statement that the manna "did not stink" serves as a powerful testament to the supernatural intervention, as it defies the expected process of decomposition in a warm climate, signifying a direct suspension of natural law by divine power.
* **worm (Hebrew, _rimmâh'_):** This noun refers to a maggot or grub, the larval stage of insects commonly found in decaying organic matter. Its presence is a definitive sign of spoilage and infestation. The declaration that "neither was there any worm therein" further emphasizes the complete and miraculous preservation of the manna, indicating not just a lack of putrefaction but also an absence of any biological activity that would typically accompany decay, thereby affirming the purity and divine nature of the provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade:"** This clause underscores the Israelites' obedience to the specific, divinely-given command through Moses. On the sixth day, they were instructed to gather a double portion of manna—two omers per person—because the following day, the Sabbath, would be a day of rest with no manna provided. Their act of "laying it up" (storing it overnight) was a direct test of their faith and obedience, contrasting sharply with their previous attempts to hoard manna on other days, which resulted in spoilage.
* **"and it did not stink,"** This phrase reveals the miraculous nature of the event. Unlike the manna collected on the first five days, which would putrefy if kept overnight, the portion gathered on the sixth day for the Sabbath remained perfectly fresh. This supernatural preservation defied the natural laws of decay, serving as a tangible sign of God's power and His unique blessing upon the Sabbath day.
* **"neither was there any worm therein."** This further emphasizes the completeness of the miracle. The absence of maggots or other signs of infestation confirmed that the manna was not merely slow to decay but was entirely immune to the natural processes that would normally render it inedible. This specific detail reinforces the divine origin and purpose of the manna's preservation, validating God's provision for the Sabbath.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:24 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Miracle** is the most prominent device, as the manna's preservation defies natural laws, serving as a clear demonstration of God's direct intervention and power. This miraculous event functions as a **Sign**, pointing to God's faithfulness, His sovereignty over creation, and the divine endorsement of the Sabbath. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the perfectly preserved manna of the sixth day against the spoiled, worm-infested manna of previous days when instructions were disobeyed, as noted in [Exodus 16:20](/exodus/16-20 "Exodus 16:20 - Manna Spoiling Due to Disobedience"). This contrast highlights the consequences of obedience versus disobedience and underscores the unique sanctity of the Sabbath. Furthermore, the manna itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's daily provision, His care for His people, and the spiritual sustenance He offers. The entire narrative of the manna, culminating in this verse, is a powerful example of **Divine Pedagogy**, where God teaches His people crucial lessons about trust, obedience, and the importance of rest through a tangible, repeated experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:24 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous care for His people and His sovereign control over creation. It reinforces the themes of divine faithfulness, demonstrating that God is utterly reliable in His promises of provision, even when human resources are exhausted. The miraculous preservation of the manna directly validates the sanctity of the Sabbath, establishing it as a day of rest and trust in God's sustaining power, rather than human labor. This event taught Israel that true security comes not from hoarding or self-reliance, but from obediently trusting in God's daily and supernatural provision. It also foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth: that God provides not only for physical needs but also for spiritual sustenance, inviting His people into a rhythm of rest and reliance.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - Entering God's Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today, inviting us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's daily provision and to embrace the spiritual discipline of rest. In a world that often pressures us towards constant striving and accumulation, this passage reminds us that our security is found not in our own efforts or stockpiles, but in the unfailing faithfulness of God. Just as the Israelites learned to depend on God for their daily bread, we are called to release our anxieties about tomorrow and trust Him for our present needs. The miraculous preservation of the manna for the Sabbath also underscores the divine value of rest—not merely as a break from work, but as an act of worship and trust, acknowledging that God sustains us even when we cease our labor. This challenges us to intentionally set aside time for spiritual refreshment, worship, and communion with God, believing that He will provide for us as we honor His design for rest. Our obedience to God's commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive to worldly wisdom, opens the door for His supernatural blessings and a deeper experience of His sustaining presence in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of the preserved manna challenge my own tendencies to worry, hoard, or rely solely on my own efforts for security?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally honor God's call to rest and spiritual refreshment in my own life, trusting Him to provide even when I pause my labor?**
* **Where do I need to cultivate greater obedience and trust in God's specific instructions for my life, believing that His way leads to blessing and provision?**

### FAQ
**Why did the manna spoil on other days but not on the sixth day when laid up for the Sabbath?**

Answer: The manna spoiled on other days if kept overnight, as seen in [Exodus 16:20](/exodus/16-20 "Exodus 16:20 - Manna Spoiling Due to Disobedience"), as a direct test of Israel's obedience and trust. It taught them to rely on God's daily provision and not to hoard. However, the manna collected on the sixth day was miraculously preserved for the Sabbath, serving as a tangible sign from God that He would provide for His people even when they ceased their labor on the day of rest. This unique preservation was a divine endorsement of the Sabbath principle, demonstrating God's power to sustain them without their daily effort on that specific day.

**What is the significance of the text explicitly stating that the manna "did not stink" and had "no worm therein"?**

Answer: These specific details emphasize the supernatural nature of the preservation. "Stink" (Hebrew *bâʼash*) refers to the putrefaction and foul odor of decay, while "worm" (Hebrew *rimmâh*) refers to maggots, common in decaying food. By explicitly stating the absence of these natural signs of spoilage, the text highlights that the manna's preservation was not merely slow decay but a complete suspension of natural biological processes. It underscored God's precise and powerful control over creation, making the miracle undeniable and reinforcing the divine authority behind the Sabbath command.

**How does this event relate to the broader concept of the Sabbath in the Bible?**

Answer: This event is foundational to the practical understanding and observance of the Sabbath, even before its formal codification at Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day"). The manna's unique behavior provided a daily, tangible lesson in Sabbath observance. It taught the Israelites to cease their labor, trust in God's provision, and recognize a day set apart for rest and worship. The double portion on the sixth day and the absence of manna on the seventh directly demonstrated God's intention for His people to rest and rely on Him, establishing a rhythm of work and rest that reflected His own creative pattern, as seen in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous manna, miraculously preserved for the Sabbath, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The manna in the wilderness was physical bread that sustained temporal life, yet those who ate it eventually died. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the "true bread from heaven" in [John 6:32](/john/6-32 "John 6:32 - Jesus, the True Bread from Heaven"), the "bread of life" who gives eternal life to those who believe in Him, as He states in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). Just as the manna was a daily provision that demonstrated God's faithfulness in sustaining His people in the wilderness, Christ is our ultimate and complete provision, satisfying our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. The Sabbath, for which the manna was miraculously preserved, pointed to a greater rest—a spiritual rest found in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find "rest for their souls" in Him, as promised in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). He is the one who perfectly fulfills the law, including the Sabbath, offering a rest from the striving of works-righteousness and the burden of sin. Through His finished work on the cross, He provides the ultimate, imperishable sustenance that never spoils and leads to everlasting life, embodying the divine faithfulness and provision foreshadowed by the preserved manna. This spiritual nourishment and rest in Christ are eternal, unlike the manna which was a temporary provision for a physical journey.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 16:20

Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.

Exodus 16:33

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.