Exodus 16:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We should strive to be neither insatiable nor ungrateful, nor should we construct extravagant homes. Our time here is transient; we are merely travelers. Those who acknowledge that true existence resembles a pilgrimage and a form of military service, and view life as, in a sense, a pit, will not seek to erect grandiose structures for themselves. Indeed, who would be bold enough to build opulent homes in a pit, regardless of their wealth? Such an act would be absurd, as it would essentially be constructing dwellings for foes and inviting further dangers. If we are wise, we ought to adopt a similar mindset. Our lives are akin to military service and resemble a pit. Thus, I urge you to take care not to accumulate treasures in this world. Should a thief approach, we would surely prefer to be unburdened. "Watch therefore," the Lord admonishes, "for you do not know at what hour the thief will come" (Matt. 24:42)—with the thief representing death. Consequently, it is wise to send our treasures ahead to our true homeland before the thief arrives. Let us walk in readiness here, equipped to confront our adversaries, so that on that day, we may receive crowns of everlasting glory, by the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory, power, honor, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The accounts of this miraculous provision offer us valuable insights for living a virtuous life. It is noted that food was distributed evenly, irrespective of the differing strengths of those gathering it. There was neither excess beyond necessity nor a lack; all received according to their needs. This principle serves as guidance for anyone engaged in procuring the resources necessary for survival: one should refrain from exceeding what is essential and recognize that in matters of sustenance, there exists a universal standard—the daily requirement. Even when there is an abundance prepared, the stomach does not exceed its intended capacity, nor does it expand to accommodate any surplus. As it is recorded, "he that gathered much had no surplus," for there was no room for any excess, "and he that gathered little had no lack; every one gathered as much as he could eat," for the needs were met in alignment with what was available.