Topical Encyclopedia Bread holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's provision and sustenance for His people. Throughout Scripture, bread is not merely a physical necessity but also a spiritual metaphor for God's care and presence.Old Testament Provision In the Old Testament, bread is often associated with God's miraculous provision. One of the most notable instances is the manna provided to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. As recorded in Exodus 16:4 , "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.'" This daily provision of manna was a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and care, teaching the Israelites to rely on Him for their needs. The significance of bread is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 8:3 , where Moses reminds the Israelites, "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." Here, bread serves as a symbol of God's word and His sustaining power. Bread in Worship and Covenant Bread also plays a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. The showbread, or "bread of the Presence," was placed on a table in the Tabernacle as a perpetual offering before the Lord (Leviticus 24:5-9). This bread symbolized the covenant relationship between God and His people, representing His continual provision and the people's dependence on Him. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision of bread. In John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the spiritual sustenance that satisfies the deepest needs of humanity, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. The feeding of the 5,000, as recounted in John 6:1-14, further illustrates Jesus' role as the provider of bread. In this miracle, Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. This act not only meets the physical needs of the crowd but also points to the greater spiritual nourishment He offers. The Lord's Supper Bread takes on additional significance in the context of the Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper. In Matthew 26:26 , it is written, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.'" In this sacrament, bread becomes a symbol of Christ's body, broken for the salvation of humanity, and serves as a reminder of His sacrificial love and the new covenant established through His death and resurrection. Spiritual Implications Throughout the Bible, bread is a powerful symbol of God's provision, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a reminder of His faithfulness, His covenant with His people, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. As believers partake in the physical act of eating bread, they are invited to reflect on the spiritual nourishment and eternal life offered through faith in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ruth 1:6Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 6:11 Library Jesus the Bread of Life. The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ... Prayer and Faith The Cry for Bread On the Lord's Supper The Ten Commandments of God. Righteousness is not Placed in Jewish Rites but in the Conversion ... John Chapter xiii. 26-31. The Disappointment of the People. The Bread of God Resources What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of unleavened bread? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to pray for our daily bread? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |