On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread— In Exodus 16:5 this order is given; and we have here a further proof of the peculiarity of this manna, of its difference from the common sort, as well as of the immediate interposition of God respecting it. For though, when preserved on ordinary days till the next morning, it bred worms and stank; yet, when laid up for the sabbath-day, no such consequence ensued, but it remained sweet and proper for use. What a striking lesson to the people of Israel!
And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses— There can be no doubt that Moses had informed the children of Israel of that great peculiarity which God notified to him, respecting the double portion of manna to be gathered on the sixth day of the week. The people were attentive to it; and, struck with awful surprise upon finding it to be as Moses had informed them, all the rulers of the congregation came, and, inspired with proper sentiments of gratitude, told Moses, how wonderfully his intelligence was verified: upon which he replies to them, that this is, in truth, what the Lord had said to him; this is that which the Lord hath said, Exodus 16:23. What follows are the words of Moses himself to the people; To-morrow is the rest, &c.