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Some gathered more,
This part of the verse highlights the varying needs and responses among the Israelites. The gathering of more manna could reflect larger family sizes or greater appetites, but it also serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision. The act of gathering more than needed was addressed by God, as any excess would spoil, teaching the Israelites to trust in God's daily provision rather than hoarding resources. This principle is echoed in2 Corinthians 8:15, which references the manna story to illustrate the importance of equality and sharing within the Christian community.

and some less.
This phrase indicates that some Israelites gathered less manna, possibly due to smaller family sizes or lesser needs. It underscores the sufficiency of God's provision, as everyone had enough according to their needs. This reflects the biblical principle of contentment and reliance on God's provision, as seen inPhilippians 4:19, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." The gathering of less also emphasizes the communal aspect of the Israelites' journey, where resources were shared to ensure that no one lacked what they needed.

– The phrase points back to Moses’ command inExodus 16:16 to “Gather as much of it as each one needs.”

– Obedience is immediate; they trusted God’s word without delay, just as Noah “did all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22) and Abraham “went as the LORD had told him” (Genesis 12:4).

– Their action reveals faith in God’s daily provision, echoingProverbs 3:5-6, which urges wholehearted trust rather than leaning on human understanding.

– By responding together, the people illustratePsalm 133:1—“how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony.”

– Different households had different capacities and needs, as later confirmed inExodus 16:18, where those who gathered much “had no excess.”

– This highlights God’s generosity; He supplied enough abundance that no one was limited by shortage (compareMalachi 3:10, where He promises to “open the floodgates of heaven”).

– It also affirms individual responsibility: the larger the family, the more diligent their gathering (see1 Timothy 5:8 about providing for one’s household).

– The scene anticipates Jesus feeding the five thousand, where the disciples collected twelve baskets of leftovers (John 6:12-13), underscoring God’s capacity to give “far more abundantly” (Ephesians 3:20).

– Smaller families or weaker persons could gather only a modest amount, yet it was still sufficient—mirroringPsalm 34:10, “those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.”

– Their lesser gathering underscores humility and dependence, much like the widow of Zarephath whose jar never emptied (1 Kings 17:14-16).

– God keeps the vulnerable in view; He later commands leaving gleanings for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10).

– Paul cites this manna event to teach balanced sharing: “the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little” (2 Corinthians 8:14-15), urging believers to meet each other’s needs.

Exodus 16:17 records simple obedience expressed in varied effort. All obeyed, some collected more, some less, yet God ensured sufficiency for everyone. The verse showcases divine faithfulness, personal diligence, and communal equity—timeless principles urging believers to trust God’s daily provision, work responsibly, and care for one another.