Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, war is often depicted as both a physical and spiritual battle. The concept of overcoming in war, particularly in a spiritual sense, is richly illustrated in the Book of Revelation. The promise of eating the "hidden manna" is a reward for those who are victorious in these battles, symbolizing divine sustenance and eternal life.Biblical Context The promise of the hidden manna is found in Revelation 2:17, where Jesus addresses the church in Pergamum: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it" . This passage is part of a series of messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor, each containing promises to those who overcome spiritual challenges. Symbolism of Manna Manna, in the Old Testament, was the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-35). It symbolizes God's provision and care for His people. The "hidden manna" in Revelation is understood as a spiritual sustenance, a deeper, more intimate provision from God that is reserved for those who remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations. Spiritual Warfare The concept of war in the Bible extends beyond physical battles to include spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . Overcoming in this context involves standing firm in faith, resisting temptation, and remaining true to God's commandments. The Overcomers The overcomers are those who, through faith and perseverance, triumph over the spiritual battles they face. Revelation 12:11 provides insight into how believers overcome: "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death" . This victory is achieved through the redemptive work of Christ and the believer's steadfast witness. The Reward of Hidden Manna The hidden manna represents a reward that is both mysterious and deeply personal. It signifies a special communion with Christ, a nourishment that sustains the soul beyond the physical realm. This promise is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, assuring them of God's eternal provision and the ultimate victory over sin and death. Conclusion The promise of the hidden manna to those who overcome in war, particularly spiritual warfare, underscores the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in the Christian life. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the eternal rewards awaiting those who remain steadfast in their faith. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 2:17He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it. Nave's Topical Index Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off ... The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3 The Apocalypse of Baruch. Our Stronghold Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... Substitution Three Homilies. On Our Lord. Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It. Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |