Exodus 16:21
ESV
Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.
NIV
Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away.
NASB
They gathered it morning by morning, everyone as much as he would eat; but when the sun became hot, it would melt.
CSB
They gathered it every morning. Each gathered as much as he needed to eat, but when the sun grew hot, it melted.
NLT
After this the people gathered the food morning by morning, each family according to its need. And as the sun became hot, the flakes they had not picked up melted and disappeared.
KJV
And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
NKJV
So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted.
What does Exodus 16:21 mean?
Every morning for forty years (Exodus 16:35), God gave Israel manna (Exodus 16:14–18). Manna is a "bread" sent by God which also carries symbolic lessons. Jesus would use manna as a key concept in explaining His earthly ministry (John 6:48–51). The substance provided Israelites with food during their time in the wilderness. However, it did not instantly appear in bowls and ovens. The people had to collect it (2 Thessalonians 3:10). God provides but still expects His people to complete the roles He has given.Manna taught Israel three major lessons. First, that God was on their side and capable of providing for them (Exodus 16:12). When they were hungry, He brought them food (Exodus 16:1–3). Second, this dependence should be ongoing: manna was provided daily and had to be gathered daily (Exodus 16:19–20). Reliance on God is not an on-and-off subject. Rather, we should look to Him constantly (Psalm 105:4).
Third, the Lord's instructions always have meaning and disobeying them always comes with consequences. When the people ignored commands not to stockpile manna, the result was a sickening mess. And yet when they kept extra overnight for the Sabbath—as instructed (Exodus 16:23)—it remained pure.
In the upcoming verses, Moses will explain manna collection prior to the Sabbath (Exodus 16:22–26). Formal laws about this seventh-day rest will be part of the law Moses brings from God (Exodus 20:8–11; 31:12–17; 35:1–3).
