daf bit: Yoma 76

[cellio]

The g'mara is discussing the manna that came from heaven daily to feed the people in the wilderness. R. Shimon b. Yochai was asked by his disciples: why did God send the manna every day instead of sending a larger supply annually? He replied with a parable: this is like a king of flesh and blood who had a son, and he provided maintenance to the son once a year. As a result the son checked in with his father only once a year. Thereupon the king switched to providing his maintenance every day, and the son called on him every day. So too with Israel: people would worry that perhaps the manna will not come tomorrow, so they turned their attention to their heavenly father daily. Another explanation: they ate the manna while it was still warm. Another: sending a larger supply would be a burden to transport. (76a)

Comments

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

I was told it was also a way to keep them moving; if they had no reason to keep moving or got too comfortable they would permanently settle land not intended for them.

[eub.livejournal.com]

So too with Israel: people would worry that perhaps the manna will not come tomorrow, so they turned their attention to their heavenly father daily. Another explanation: they ate the manna while it was still warm. Another: sending a larger supply would be a burden to transport.

I love this sequence of commentaries so much.