Topical Encyclopedia Manna, the miraculous sustenance provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness, holds significant theological and historical importance in the biblical narrative. The term "manna" is derived from the Hebrew word "מָן" (man), which is thought to mean "What is it?" as the Israelites questioned its nature upon first encountering it (Exodus 16:15).Biblical Account and Description The account of manna is primarily found in Exodus 16. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, they faced the challenge of finding food in the barren wilderness. In response to their needs, God provided manna, described as a fine, flake-like substance, as frost on the ground (Exodus 16:14). The people were instructed to gather it daily, with specific instructions for the Sabbath, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and obedience to His commands. Manna is further described in Numbers 11:7-9 as resembling coriander seed and having the appearance of bdellium. It tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31), and the Israelites ground it, boiled it, and made cakes from it. This daily provision continued until they reached the borders of Canaan (Joshua 5:12). Preservation in the Ark of the Testimony The preservation of manna in the Ark of the Testimony serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. In Exodus 16:32-34 , God commanded Moses to preserve an omer of manna in a jar to be kept before the Testimony. This jar was placed in the Ark of the Covenant, alongside the tablets of the Law and Aaron's rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark, housed in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle, symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His presence among His people. The preserved manna served as a tangible witness to future generations of God's miraculous provision and the importance of trusting in His sustenance. Theological Significance Manna holds deep theological significance, symbolizing God's provision, faithfulness, and the necessity of reliance on Him. It prefigures the spiritual sustenance provided through Jesus Christ, who identified Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35). In John 6:49-51 , Jesus contrasts the manna eaten by the Israelites with the true bread from heaven, emphasizing the eternal life He offers. The preservation of manna in the Ark underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant and His unchanging faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision, both physically and spiritually. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 16:33And Moses said to Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 9:4 Library Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna What did Moses Write? The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study. The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church On the Death of his Father. The Sibylline Oracles. The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is working on Sunday a sin? | 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) |
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