Exodus 16:5

KJV

And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare [that] which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth {H8345} day {H3117} they shall prepare {H3559} that which {H834} they bring in {H935}; and it shall be twice {H4932} as much as they gather {H3950} daily {H3117}{H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the sixth day, when they prepare what they have brought in, it will turn out to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."

Berean Standard Bible

Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:5 delivers a pivotal divine directive to the Israelites regarding the manna in the wilderness: on the sixth day, they were to gather and prepare a double portion, anticipating the absence of manna on the seventh day. This command, issued amidst their initial grumbling for sustenance after the exodus, served not only as a profound testament to God's meticulous provision and foresight but also as the practical introduction to the principle of the Sabbath rest, a foundational element of their burgeoning covenant relationship with Yahweh, demanding both unwavering obedience and deep trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 16:5 is strategically placed within the narrative of God's miraculous provision for the Israelites in the wilderness, immediately following their complaints about hunger after the monumental [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Red Sea Crossing"). The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 16:1-4](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1-4 - Israelites Grumble and God Promises Manna"), establish the urgent context of the Israelites' murmuring against Moses and Aaron, which prompts God's promise to "rain bread from heaven" for them. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated instruction but an integral component of God's initial, detailed plan for sustaining His people, meticulously setting the stage for the daily routine of manna gathering and, crucially, introducing the rhythm of the Sabbath before its formal codification in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). It powerfully underscores God's systematic approach to provision and His deliberate intention to instill spiritual disciplines within His newly liberated nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Having recently [escaped generations of brutal slavery in Egypt](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - Israelites Depart Egypt"), the Israelites were utterly unaccustomed to self-sufficiency in the desolate wilderness. Their immediate and pressing concerns revolved around basic survival—securing food and water—which frequently led to murmuring against God and Moses. In this precarious context, God's provision of manna was a direct, compassionate response to their physical needs and a profound demonstration of His unwavering covenant faithfulness. The instruction in Exodus 16:5 to gather double on the sixth day was revolutionary, introducing a concept of regulated work and rest that stood in stark contrast to the relentless, unending labor they had endured in Egypt. This pre-Sinaitic command laid the essential groundwork for the Sabbath, a unique institution in the ancient Near East that emphasized rest, worship, and absolute trust in divine provision, thereby distinguishing Israel from surrounding cultures that often viewed work as continuous and without pause. It served as a practical, daily lesson in faith, teaching them to rely entirely on God's word rather than their own anxieties about scarcity, as later articulated in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's omnipotent ability and faithful commitment to sustain His people even in the most barren circumstances. The manna itself is a tangible sign of His constant care. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of **Sabbath and Rest**, establishing a divinely ordained rhythm of work and cessation that anticipates the Fourth Commandment and underscores the importance of consecrated time for worship and rejuvenation. This principle highlights God's design for human flourishing, which includes rest from toil. Thirdly, the instruction serves as a direct **Test of Obedience and Trust**. The Israelites were challenged to obey a command that seemed counter-intuitive—to gather more than they immediately needed and then to cease gathering entirely—thereby demonstrating their reliance on God's word over their own anxieties or experiences. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Order**, as He meticulously plans and executes His provision, not haphazardly, but with foresight and a view toward establishing foundational principles for His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepare (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, this Hebrew verb means "to be erect," and causatively, "to set up, establish, fix, prepare, make ready, provide." In this context, it implies more than simply collecting the manna. It suggests a deliberate action of processing, sorting, and making the gathered manna suitable for consumption and storage for the following day. This preparation would have involved tasks like grinding, baking, or boiling, as later described in [Numbers 11:8](/numbers/11-8 "Numbers 11:8 - Preparation of Manna"). The use of _kûwn'_ here emphasizes the Israelites' active role in stewardship of God's provision, rather than passive reception.
* **Sixth Day (Hebrew, _yôwm shishshîy'_):** This phrase combines H3117 (_yôwm_), meaning "a day" (as the warm hours, or a space of time), and H8345 (_shishshîy_), meaning "sixth." The explicit mention of the "sixth day" is pivotal. It directly anticipates and establishes the pattern for the seventh day as a day of rest, the Sabbath. This specific timing highlights God's meticulous planning and His intention to institute a divinely ordained rhythm of work and rest. It is the first practical application of the Sabbath principle in the wilderness narrative, preceding the formal commandment given at Sinai in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment").
* **Twice (Hebrew, _mishneh'_):** From H4932, this Hebrew word properly means "a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or location)." This instruction underscores the miraculous nature of the provision, as God would supply an extraordinary amount on the sixth day. It also serves as a direct test of the Israelites' obedience and trust. They were commanded to gather double, trusting that God would not provide on the seventh day, and that the double portion would not spoil, unlike the daily manna that would rot if kept overnight (cf. [Exodus 16:20](/exodus/16-20 "Exodus 16:20 - Manna Spoils if Kept Overnight")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day":** This introductory phrase sets the specific temporal condition for the unique instruction that follows. It signals a deviation from the daily routine established in the preceding verses, drawing attention to a special divine directive for a particular day of the week, thereby laying the groundwork for the Sabbath. This highlights God's precise timing and intentionality in His provision and instruction.
* **"they shall prepare [that] which they bring in":** This clause details the required action of the Israelites. The verb "prepare" (כּוּן, _kûwn'_) indicates an active, deliberate process of handling the gathered manna, implying that it was not merely to be collected but also processed and made ready for consumption and storage for the Sabbath. This highlights the concept of responsible stewardship of God's provision, requiring effort and foresight on the part of the people.
* **"and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily":** This final clause specifies the quantity of manna to be gathered on the sixth day. The instruction for a "double portion" is a clear divine command that tests the Israelites' faith and obedience. It assures them of God's abundant provision while simultaneously enforcing the principle of resting on the seventh day, as no manna would be available then. This specific quantity underscores both God's generosity and His expectation of their trust.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:5 employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as this verse subtly introduces and establishes the practical rhythm of the Sabbath before its formal enshrinement as a commandment in the Decalogue. The instruction to gather a double portion on the sixth day directly anticipates the rest on the seventh, thereby preparing the people for a foundational aspect of their covenant relationship with God. The verse also functions as a **Divine Command**, expressed through direct instruction from God to Moses for the people, emphasizing God's absolute authority and His meticulous involvement in the daily lives of His people. Implicit within this command is a profound **Test of Obedience** and trust; the Israelites were required to follow an instruction that defied their immediate experience (daily provision) and their natural inclination (to gather every day), thereby demonstrating their reliance on God's word. Finally, the phrase "twice as much" serves as an **Emphasis** of the extraordinary nature of God's provision and His precise planning, ensuring that the people would have ample sustenance even during their divinely appointed day of rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:5 is rich with profound theological significance, primarily underscoring God's meticulous, sovereign, and abundant provision for His people. It reveals a God who not only meets immediate physical needs but also anticipates future requirements, demonstrating His foresight, faithfulness, and providential care. This divine care is intricately intertwined with the introduction of the Sabbath principle, teaching Israel the crucial importance of rest, trust, and the sanctification of time. The command to gather double on the sixth day and then rest on the seventh was a profound lesson in obedience, challenging the Israelites to rely on God's word rather than their own anxieties or perceived scarcity. It established a divinely ordained rhythm of work and worship, demonstrating that true security and flourishing come from divine blessing, not human toil alone. This passage thus serves as a foundational text for understanding God's character as provider, His design for human well-being through rest, and the absolute necessity of obedient faith.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11: The Fourth Commandment on the Sabbath")
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3: Man Lives by Every Word of God")
* [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11: Give Us Our Daily Bread in the Lord's Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:5 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary believers, inviting us to cultivate a deeper, unwavering trust in God's provision and to embrace His divine rhythms for our lives. In a world that often glorifies incessant activity, self-reliance, and the relentless pursuit of more, this verse reminds us that true security, peace, and flourishing come from acknowledging God as our ultimate provider and obeying His commands, even when they seem counter-intuitive or challenge our conventional wisdom. Just as the Israelites learned to trust that God would provide abundantly for their day of rest, we are called to release our anxieties about scarcity and to embrace periods of intentional rest and spiritual renewal, confident that God will sustain us in every aspect of our lives. This principle extends beyond physical food to all areas of life, encouraging us to prepare diligently for our responsibilities while also setting aside sacred time for worship, reflection, and rejuvenation, honoring God's design for our holistic well-being. Our obedience to God's instructions, even those that challenge our ingrained habits or societal norms, is a powerful act of faith that unlocks His blessings and demonstrates our profound reliance on His perfect, loving plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to gather double on the sixth day challenge our modern anxieties about scarcity and constant productivity?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of preparing for rest, as seen in this verse, to our own lives and schedules today?**
* **What specific areas of your life require a deeper trust in God's provision, rather than relying solely on your own efforts or perceived control?**
* **How does the Sabbath principle, introduced here through the manna, inform your understanding of work, rest, and worship in your current context?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give this specific instruction for the sixth day?**

Answer: God gave this specific instruction for the sixth day to introduce and establish the principle of the Sabbath, a day of rest and sanctification, before its formal codification in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). By commanding the Israelites to gather a double portion on the sixth day, He was teaching them to trust in His miraculous provision and to honor the seventh day as a day free from labor. This was a practical lesson in obedience and faith, demonstrating that He would provide sufficiently for their needs, even without daily gathering on the Sabbath, as detailed in [Exodus 16:23-26](/exodus/16-23 "Exodus 16:23-26 - Manna for the Sabbath"). It distinguished Israel from other nations and underscored God's desire for His people to experience physical and spiritual rest, fostering a rhythm of dependence on Him.

**Was this a test of the Israelites' faith?**

Answer: Absolutely. The instruction to gather twice as much on the sixth day, with the explicit understanding that no manna would appear on the seventh, was a direct and profound test of the Israelites' faith and obedience. They had to trust that God's word was true—that the double portion would not spoil overnight (unlike the daily manna which would rot if kept, as seen in [Exodus 16:20](/exodus/16-20 "Exodus 16:20 - Manna Spoiling")), and that God would indeed provide nothing on the Sabbath. This command required them to set aside their natural inclination to gather daily and instead rely completely on God's foresight and faithfulness, demonstrating their willingness to live by [every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God").

**How does this relate to the Fourth Commandment?**

Answer: Exodus 16:5 serves as a foundational precursor to the Fourth Commandment, which formally instructs Israel to [remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8 - The Fourth Commandment"). While the formal commandment is given later at Mount Sinai, the practical application of the Sabbath principle begins here with the manna provision. God uses the daily miracle of the manna to teach His people the rhythm of work and rest, demonstrating the necessity and blessing of setting aside one day for Him. This early instruction prepared their hearts and minds for the deeper theological significance of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, as mentioned in [Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - Sabbath as a Sign"). It established a practical precedent for the sacredness of the seventh day, embedding the principle of rest and reliance on God into their daily lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 16:5, with its detailed instruction for the manna, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate provision of God in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided physical bread from heaven to sustain Israel in the wilderness, so too did He provide the true "bread of life" in His Son, Jesus, who declared, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")". The manna was a temporary, perishable provision, a type and shadow that could only sustain physical life for a day, but Christ offers eternal sustenance for the soul, a spiritual nourishment that never runs out. Furthermore, the Sabbath principle introduced in this verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. While the Old Testament Sabbath pointed to a physical day of rest, Jesus, as "[Lord even of the Sabbath](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")", offers a deeper, spiritual rest from the burden of sin and the striving of legalism. He invites all who are weary and heavy-laden to "[come to me, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest")". The double portion on the sixth day, ensuring rest on the seventh, beautifully symbolizes God's abundant grace in Christ, providing not just enough, but overflowing grace for all our needs, ensuring our eternal rest in Him. Through Christ, we find not only daily provision for our journey but also the ultimate Sabbath rest for our souls, a rest that transcends a single day and encompasses an eternal relationship with God, culminating in the [eternal Sabbath rest awaiting the people of God](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People").

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 16:22

¶ And it came to pass, [that] on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one [man]: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

Exodus 16:23

And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

Exodus 35:2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.

Exodus 35:3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Leviticus 25:21

Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years.

Leviticus 25:22

And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat [yet] of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat [of] the old [store].