The gathering and preparation of manna is a significant event in the history of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. Manna, described as "bread from heaven," was provided by God to sustain the Israelites after their departure from Egypt and during their 40 years in the desert.

Biblical Account

The account of manna begins in Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having left Egypt, find themselves in the Wilderness of Sin. The people grumble against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food, expressing a desire to return to Egypt where they had plenty to eat. In response, the LORD 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.'"

Gathering Instructions

The Israelites were instructed to gather a specific amount of manna each day, an omer per person, which was approximately two quarts. They were to collect it every morning, as it would melt when the sun grew hot. On the sixth day, they were to gather twice as much, preparing for the Sabbath, when no manna would fall.

Exodus 16:22-23 explains, "On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much food—two omers per person—and all the leaders of the congregation came and reported this to Moses. He told them, 'This is what the LORD has said: Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil; then set aside whatever remains and keep it until morning.'"

Preparation and Consumption

The manna appeared each morning with the dew, described as fine flakes like frost on the ground. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). The Israelites could prepare it by baking or boiling, and it served as their primary sustenance throughout their wilderness journey.

Significance and Symbolism

Manna is not only a physical provision but also a spiritual lesson in reliance on God. It tested the Israelites' obedience and trust in God's daily provision. The gathering of manna required faith, as they could not store it for future use, except for the Sabbath preparation.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "true bread from heaven" (John 6:32-35), drawing a parallel between the manna and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers. This connection emphasizes the importance of daily dependence on Christ for spiritual nourishment.

Preservation of Manna

As a testimony to future generations, God commanded Moses to preserve an omer of manna in a jar, which was placed before the Testimony (Exodus 16:32-34). This served as a reminder of God's provision and faithfulness to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

The gathering and preparation of manna remain a powerful illustration of God's care and provision, teaching lessons of faith, obedience, and reliance on divine sustenance.