Cyberdov

The usual pattern of Benei Yisrael in the desert is that they disobey God in some way, God gets angry, punishes them, and ultimately forgives them (usually after intervention by Moshe). So I noted with surprise that there is a different approach taken regarding Shabbat and the Manna. Here, the people are told not to collect Manna on Shabbat (Shemot 16:26); some do so anyway (16:27); God lectures them (16:28-29); and they stop (16:30)! End of story. No plagues, no threats to wipe them out. Essentially, the people are allowed to come around on their own, without being frightened into compliance.
I wonder why this approach is not employed more often, especially in light of its apparent success.

If you belong to the Delafield Jewish Center, you may be interested in my homiletic conclusion…

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