Exodus 16:5
ESV
On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily."
NIV
On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."
NASB
On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.'
CSB
On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days."
NLT
On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual.'
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.
NKJV
And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”
What does Exodus 16:5 mean?
Many of Israel's experiences in the Old Testament are object lessons for believers of all generations (1 Corinthians 10:11). Here, God plans to provide Israel with food as they move through the desert wilderness (Exodus 16:1–4). His plan will include an aspect of "testing:" will the Israelites follow His instructions? Or will they act as if they know better? Each day, they are to gather exactly one day's worth of provided manna (Exodus 16:15, 31).The test in these instructions comes in whether the people will trust in God's ability to provide each day. His will is that they keep nothing overnight (Exodus 16:19). They are not to stockpile this food; instead, they should believe that the Lord will bring more food the following day.
On the sixth day, the people are to gather two days' worth. This gives them the ability to rest on the seventh day, known as the "Sabbath" (Exodus 16:23). Later, Moses will be given additional laws regarding how the Sabbath is to be observed (Exodus 20:8–11).
Exodus 16:1–12 describes how Israel left the oasis at Elim and began complaining to Moses about food. Moses takes these grievances to the Lord, who explains His response. God will provide meat and bread despite the people unfairly criticizing Moses and Aaron. This provision will remind Israel of God's position as their Lord.
As the recently-rescued Israelites (Exodus 14:21–31) journey on, they complain about food. God provides them with manna: a grain-like substance which miraculously appears each morning. The people are given instructions about how to gather and use manna. Only on the sixth day of the week can they collect more and keep leftovers for the following day. That seventh day is to be a time of rest, called a "sabbath."
