Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of Manna

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of Manna ►

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Introduction

The phenomenon of manna is one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the Bible, serving as a divine provision for the Israelites during their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness. This miraculous sustenance is a testament to God's providence and care for His people, illustrating His ability to provide for their needs in extraordinary ways.

Biblical Account

The primary account of manna is found in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, they found themselves in the Desert of Sin, where they began to grumble against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. In response, God promised to rain down bread from heaven for them (Exodus 16:4). The following morning, the Israelites discovered a fine, flake-like substance on the ground, which they called "manna" (Exodus 16:14-15).

Description and Instructions

Manna is described as being like coriander seed, white, and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). The Israelites were instructed to gather an omer per person each day, with a double portion to be collected on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath, during which no manna would fall (Exodus 16:16, 22-26). Any attempt to gather more than needed resulted in spoilage, except for the portion set aside for the Sabbath, which remained fresh (Exodus 16:19-24).

Significance and Symbolism

Manna served not only as physical sustenance but also as a spiritual lesson in reliance on God. It was a daily reminder of God's faithfulness and a test of obedience, as the Israelites were to trust in His provision and follow His instructions (Exodus 16:4). The miraculous nature of manna is further emphasized by its cessation upon the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, where they began to eat the produce of Canaan (Joshua 5:12).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, manna is referenced as a type of Christ, the true bread from heaven. Jesus, in His discourse on the Bread of Life, contrasts the manna eaten by the Israelites with Himself, the living bread that gives eternal life (John 6:31-35). This typology underscores the temporary and physical nature of manna compared to the eternal and spiritual sustenance found in Christ.

Preservation of Manna

As a perpetual reminder of God's provision, an omer of manna was preserved in a jar and placed before the Testimony, as commanded by God through Moses (Exodus 16:32-34). This preserved manna served as a tangible witness to future generations of the miraculous sustenance provided by God during the wilderness journey.

Conclusion

The miracle of manna is a profound example of God's provision and care for His people, illustrating His ability to meet their needs in miraculous ways. It serves as a powerful symbol of reliance on divine provision and points forward to the ultimate provision of spiritual sustenance through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 16:4-31
Then 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

Library

The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands
... Even the manna that came down from heaven bred worms ... Whenever I find the critics
paring down miracles, it always ... was like a lot out of the catalogue, one bow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the lads loaves in the.htm

section ii.
... admiration in them than in the other all His Miracles. ... I know that Manna is now
plentifully gathered in Calabria ... 49] my self could shew a Catalogue of doubts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii.htm

The Gospels in General
... of the Christian Church, in giving a catalogue of the ... closely connected with the
signs, the miracles of our Lord. ... the Son of God, the heavenly manna, the water ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospels in general.htm