Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology as a divine provision for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This miraculous sustenance is emblematic of God's providence and care for His people, serving as a tangible expression of His faithfulness and a foreshadowing of spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament.Biblical Account The narrative of manna is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness, facing the dire need for food. In response to their complaints, God provided manna as a daily sustenance. Exodus 16:4 records God's promise: "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.'" Manna appeared each morning, described as "fine flakes like frost on the ground" (Exodus 16:14). The Israelites were instructed to gather only what was needed for each day, emphasizing reliance on God's daily provision. On the sixth day, they were to gather a double portion to observe the Sabbath rest, highlighting the sanctity of the Sabbath and God's provision even in rest. Characteristics and Symbolism Manna is described as being like coriander seed, white, and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). Its appearance and taste symbolize purity and sweetness, reflecting the goodness of God's provision. The daily gathering of manna required obedience and trust, teaching the Israelites to depend on God for their needs. Theologically, manna serves as a type of Christ, the true Bread from Heaven. In John 6:32-35 , Jesus draws a parallel between Himself and manna: "Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' 'Sir,' they said, 'give us this bread at all times.' Jesus answered, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.'" Spiritual Lessons Manna teaches several spiritual lessons relevant to the life of believers: 1. Dependence on God: Just as the Israelites depended on daily manna, believers are called to rely on God for their spiritual and physical needs. This dependence fosters a relationship of trust and faith. 2. Obedience and Faithfulness: Gathering manna according to God's instructions required obedience. Similarly, believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word, trusting in His promises. 3. Sabbath Rest: The provision of a double portion before the Sabbath underscores the importance of rest and worship. It reminds believers of the need to set aside time for spiritual renewal and communion with God. 4. Christ as the True Sustenance: Manna points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Believers are invited to partake in the life-giving sustenance that Christ offers, finding fulfillment and satisfaction in Him alone. Eschatological Significance In Revelation 2:17 , the promise of "hidden manna" is given to those who overcome: "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 promise signifies the eternal sustenance and intimate relationship with God that awaits the faithful in the life to come. Manna, as a divine provision, not only met the physical needs of the Israelites but also serves as a profound symbol of God's enduring care and the spiritual blessings bestowed upon His saints. Through manna, believers are reminded of the sufficiency of God's grace and the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ, the Bread of Life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ... John Chapter vi. 41-59 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet The First Book Concerning Persecution Resources What was manna? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the hidden manna mentioned in Revelation 2:17? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Israelites need manna if they had flocks/herds of animals that they could eat? | 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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