What is the meaning of Numbers 11:7? Now “Now the manna…” (Numbers 11:7) drops us into the middle of Israel’s wilderness journey. • The word “now” links this description to the people’s complaint that the manna was monotonous (Numbers 11:4–6). • It signals a shift from grumbling to God’s gracious provision, much like the pivot in Exodus 16:2-4 where God responded to earlier complaints with daily bread. • This small word reminds us that God’s faithfulness continues in the present moment, echoing Lamentations 3:22-23 where His mercies are “new every morning.” The manna Manna was heaven-sent food that sustained Israel for forty years (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). • Literally “bread from heaven” (Psalm 78:24), it pictures God’s personal care—foreshadowing Christ, the true bread of life (John 6:32-35). • It appeared six days a week, emphasizing daily dependence, just as Jesus teaches us to pray for “our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). • Though miraculous, it was tangible and ordinary enough to be gathered, ground, and baked (Numbers 11:8). Resembled coriander seed “…resembled coriander seed…” (Numbers 11:7). • Coriander seed is small, round, and light—easy to gather yet plentiful, mirroring God’s provision that is both accessible and abundant (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Its size prevented hoarding; each family collected just what they needed (Exodus 16:18), reinforcing trust rather than self-reliance. • The reference roots manna in everyday experience: God often teaches spiritual truths through familiar, earthly comparisons (Matthew 13:31-33). Its appearance was like that of gum resin “…and its appearance was like that of gum resin.” • Gum resin (often amber or bdellium-like) has a glistening, honey-colored sheen (Genesis 2:12 compares bdellium’s beauty to Eden’s treasures). • This sparkle highlighted manna’s divine origin—“the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud” (Exodus 16:10), and the food He sent bore a glimmer of that glory. • The sweet, appealing look counters Israel’s boredom; what God provides is never dull but reflects His goodness (Psalm 34:8). • Even in the desert, God offers something attractive and nourishing, pointing forward to Revelation 2:17 where overcomers receive “hidden manna.” summary Numbers 11:7 reminds us that God’s provision is timely (“Now”), personal (“the manna”), perfectly measured (“coriander seed”), and beautifully sufficient (“like gum resin”). He feeds His people with what is both ordinary and miraculous, inviting daily trust and pointing our hearts to Christ, the true bread from heaven. |
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