Exodus 16:16-21

16-21. An omer for every man The amount of the omer at this time is one of the unsettled questions, which may be found fully discussed in Smith’s Dictionary, Art . Weights and Measures . The Rabbins estimate it at three pints and a half, while Josephus, as we judge inconsistently, makes it about twice as much. The Rabbinic estimate is more likely to be correct. See on Exodus 16:36.

Each man was to gather for himself and his family at the rate of an omer per head; and not to attempt to lay it up for future use, but to trust to-morrow’s supply to meet to-morrow’s want. We do not understand that any supernatural equalization was promised. Each man gathered according to his eating That is, when they fulfilled the directions given each gathered according to the number of his family, at the rate of an omer apiece, so that he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; and when, through selfishness or unbelief, any attempted to get more than their share, their purpose was frustrated, for it could not be kept over a day. THE SIXTH DAY’S MANNA, 22-31.