Introduction

Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and guiding them through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. One of the most significant events during this journey was the miraculous provision of manna, a heavenly sustenance provided by God to feed the Israelites. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus and serves as a profound demonstration of God's providence and care for His people.

Biblical Account

The account of manna begins in Exodus 16, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. As they journeyed through the Desert of Sin, the people began to grumble against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. In response to their complaints, God promised to rain down bread from heaven to test whether they would follow His instructions.

Exodus 16:4-5 states: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.'"

Description of Manna

Manna is described as a small, round substance, like coriander seed, white in color, and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). It appeared each morning after the dew evaporated and was to be gathered daily, except on the Sabbath. On the sixth day, a double portion was to be collected to honor the Sabbath rest.

Instructions and Obedience

The Israelites were instructed to gather only as much manna as needed for each day, with an omer per person being the standard measure. Any attempt to hoard manna resulted in it becoming foul and filled with maggots, except for the portion collected for the Sabbath, which remained fresh.

Exodus 16:19-20 records: "Then Moses said to them, 'No one may keep any of it until morning.' But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became foul with maggots, and Moses was angry with them."

Significance and Symbolism

The provision of manna was not only a physical sustenance but also a spiritual lesson in reliance on God. It taught the Israelites to trust in God's daily provision and to obey His commands. The manna also prefigures the spiritual nourishment provided by Christ, as Jesus Himself refers to it in John 6:31-35, identifying Himself as the "bread of life."

Preservation of Manna

As a testimony to future generations, God commanded Moses to preserve an omer of manna in a jar and place it before the Testimony. This was to serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision during the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness.

Exodus 16:32-34 states: "Moses said, 'This is what the LORD has commanded: “Keep an omer of manna for the generations to come, so that they may see the bread I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.”' So Moses told Aaron, 'Take a jar and fill it with an omer of manna. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come.'"

Conclusion

The account of Moses and the manna is a powerful testament to God's provision and a call to trust in His daily care. It underscores the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises, serving as a lasting symbol of His covenant relationship with His people.