Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance: The term "Bread from Heaven" primarily refers to the miraculous provision of manna to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness, as recorded in the Old Testament. This divine sustenance is emblematic of God's provision and care for His people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the true "Bread from Heaven," signifying spiritual nourishment and eternal life. Old Testament Context: The account of manna is found in Exodus 16. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness without food. In response to their grumbling, God provided manna, described as "a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground" (Exodus 16:14). The Israelites were instructed to gather it daily, except on the Sabbath, teaching them reliance on God's daily provision. Manna is further described in Numbers 11:7-9 as resembling coriander seed and tasting like wafers made with honey. Theological Implications: Manna served as a test of obedience and faith, as the Israelites were commanded to gather only what was needed for each day (Exodus 16:4). It symbolized God's faithfulness and the necessity of trusting in His provision. The preservation of manna in a jar, placed before the Testimony, served as a perpetual reminder of God's sustenance (Exodus 16:32-34). New Testament Fulfillment: In the New Testament, Jesus expands the concept of "Bread from Heaven" in John 6. After feeding the 5,000, He declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). Jesus contrasts the temporary physical sustenance of manna with the eternal spiritual sustenance He offers. He emphasizes that He is the true bread that gives life to the world, stating, "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world" (John 6:33). Spiritual Application: The "Bread from Heaven" serves as a profound metaphor for the believer's spiritual nourishment. Just as the Israelites depended on manna for physical survival, Christians are called to depend on Christ for spiritual sustenance. Jesus' teaching in John 6 underscores the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life, as He states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life" (John 6:47-48). Eschatological Aspect: The concept of "Bread from Heaven" also carries eschatological significance. Revelation 2:17 speaks of the "hidden manna" given to those who overcome, symbolizing the eternal reward and sustenance provided by Christ in the heavenly realm. Conclusion: The "Bread from Heaven" is a multifaceted biblical theme that illustrates God's provision, the necessity of faith, and the fulfillment of spiritual needs through Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the promise of eternal life through belief in His Son. Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |