The passage begins by linking the manna, that miraculous bread from heaven, to a verse in Proverbs (9:5): "Come, partake of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed." What's the connection? Well, the Holy One, blessed be He, essentially says: You earned the manna and the water from the well because you accepted My statutes and ordinances. In other words, you upheld your side of the covenant. The Torah itself is often compared to bread, a source of nourishment for the soul, and wine, which represents the joy and depth of understanding that comes with studying it. (See, for example, Song of Songs 1:2).
But here's a question: Why did the Israelites sing praises over the well but not over the manna? Seems a bit unfair, doesn't it?
The answer, according to Shemot Rabbah, lies in their attitude. Remember Numbers 11:6? "But now our soul is parched, there is nothing at all, other than the manna before our eyes." Ouch. Not exactly a glowing review, is it? They were complaining! God, in essence, said, "I don't need your grumbling or your forced praise." They only earned the song for the spring because they appreciated it, as evidenced by Numbers 21:17, "Rise, well, call to it." Their joy opened the gates of song.
So, what's the takeaway? Gratitude matters. A blessing received with a sour face loses some of its power. A gift appreciated, celebrated—that's what truly resonates.
The passage then shifts, drawing a connection between the manna and Psalm 23:5: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Imagine the scene: the Israelites, fresh out of Egypt, wandering in the wilderness. The nations around them scoff, predicting their demise. "Can God even provide for them in this desolate place?" they sneered, echoing the sentiment in Psalm 78:19.
But what did God do? He had them recline under the Clouds of Glory – vayasev (וַיַּסֵּב), related to the word hesiban (הֵסִיבָן), meaning "He had them recline" – as described in Exodus 13:18. He fed them manna, as Deuteronomy 8:16 reminds us. And according to Shemot Rabbah, the manna was even more abundant than the waters of the Flood! The proof? Psalm 78:23 says, "He commanded the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens," while Genesis 7:11 mentions only "the windows of the heavens" during the Flood. The Sages believed doors had four windows (Yoma 76a). More openings, more abundance.
Can you picture it? The other nations looking on, mouths agape, as Israel reclined in comfort, feasting and praising God. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." The quail was their "anointing oil," and the spring, their "overflowing cup."
And it doesn't end there! The passage concludes with a vision of the future, a time when God will bring ultimate peace. The righteous will recline and feast in the Garden of Eden, while the idolaters look on, consumed by jealousy and fear, as Isaiah 65:13 foretells: "Behold, My servants will drink and you will be thirsty, behold, My servants will rejoice and you will be ashamed."
What a powerful image! It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with a little faith and a lot of gratitude, we, too, can find ourselves at a table prepared for us, even in the wilderness. So, next time you encounter a blessing, remember the manna and the well. Receive it with joy, sing its praises, and let gratitude be your guide.