Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous provision from God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine sustenance is a significant symbol of God's provision and care for His people.Description and Provision The first mention of manna is found in Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having left Egypt, grumble against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. In response, God promises to rain down bread from heaven for them. Exodus 16:4 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.'" Manna appeared each morning after the dew evaporated, described as a fine, flake-like substance, as fine as frost on the ground (Exodus 16:14). The Israelites were instructed to gather an omer per person each day, with a double portion on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:22-26). Physical Characteristics Manna is described in Exodus 16:31 as resembling coriander seed, white in color, and tasting like wafers made with honey. Numbers 11:7-8 further describes it: "Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. The people walked around gathering it, and they ground it on a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar; then they cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil." Duration and Purpose Manna was provided consistently throughout the Israelites' wilderness journey until they reached the border of Canaan. Joshua 5:12 records the cessation of manna: "The manna ceased the day after they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna, for they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year." The provision of manna served not only to sustain the Israelites physically but also to teach them reliance on God and obedience to His commands. Deuteronomy 8:3 reflects on this lesson: "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." Symbolic and Spiritual Significance Manna holds a deeper spiritual significance as a type of Christ, the true bread from heaven. In John 6:31-35 , Jesus refers to Himself as the bread of life, contrasting the temporary sustenance of manna with the eternal life He offers: "Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'" Preservation as a Testimony A portion of manna was preserved as a testimony for future generations. Exodus 16:32-34 records God's command to keep an omer of manna in a jar before the Testimony, to be kept for generations to see the bread with which He fed them in the wilderness. Manna remains a profound testament to God's faithfulness and provision, serving as a reminder of His ability to meet the needs of His people in miraculous ways. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 16:4-35Then said the LORD to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 11:6-10 Deuteronomy 8:3,16 Joshua 5:12 Nehemiah 9:20 Psalm 78:24 John 6:31,49,58 Library The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... The Gospels in General Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ... John vi. 53, 54 1 Cor. xiii. 8 Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ... What did Moses Write? "The Eternity of Hell-Torments" The Apocalypse of Baruch. Resources What was manna? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the hidden manna mentioned in Revelation 2:17? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Israelites need manna if they had flocks/herds of animals that they could eat? | GotQuestions.org Manna: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Manna: A Golden Pot of, Laid up in the Holiest for a Memorial Manna: An Omer of, Gathered for Each Person Manna: Blessedness Given to Saints Manna: Called: Bread from Heaven Manna: Called: Bread of Heaven Manna: Ceased when Israel Entered Canaan Manna: Fell After the Evening Dew Manna: General Scriptures Concerning Manna: Given in Answer to Prayer Manna: Given: As a Sign of Moses's Divine Mission Manna: Given: As a Test of Obedience Manna: Given: To Exhibit God's Glory Manna: Given: To Humble and Prove Israel Manna: Given: To Teach That Man Does not Live by Bread Only Manna: Given: when Israel Murmured for Bread Manna: He That Gathered Much or Little had Sufficient and Nothing Manna: Kept Longer than a Day (Except on the Sabbath) Became Corrupt Manna: Like in Colour to Bdellium Manna: Like in Taste to Wafers Made With Honey Manna: Miraculously Given to Israel for Food in the Wilderness Manna: None Fell on the Sabbath Day Manna: Preserved in the Ark of the Testimony Manna: The Israelites: At First Covetous of Manna: The Israelites: Counted Inferior to Food of Egypt Manna: The Israelites: Ground, Made Into Cakes and Baked in Pans Manna: The Israelites: Loathed Manna: The Israelites: Punished for Despising Manna: The Israelites: Punished for Loathing Manna: Two Portions of, Gathered the Sixth Day on Account of The Related Terms Coriander-seed (2 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |