Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Description:Manna is a miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It is described as a small, round substance, like coriander seed, appearing on the ground each morning after the dew evaporated. The Israelites were instructed to gather it daily, except on the Sabbath, when a double portion was gathered the day before (Exodus 16:14-30). Biblical References: The primary account of manna is found in Exodus 16, where it is first introduced as God's provision for the Israelites' sustenance. The people were to gather an omer per person, and any excess would spoil by the next day, except on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:16-24). Manna is described as tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). In Numbers 11:7-9, manna is further described as having the appearance of bdellium and the taste of cakes baked with oil. The Israelites ground it in mills or beat it in mortars, boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it. Called Angel's Food: Manna is referred to as "angel's food" in Psalm 78:24-25, which states, "He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance." This passage highlights the divine origin and miraculous nature of manna, emphasizing its role as a heavenly provision. Theological Significance: Manna serves as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. It was a daily reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for their sustenance and survival. The gathering of manna required obedience and trust in God's instructions, teaching the Israelites to rely on Him for their needs. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to manna in John 6:31-35, drawing a parallel between the manna given to the Israelites and Himself as the "bread of life." Jesus explains that while the manna sustained physical life temporarily, He offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. Cultural and Historical Context: Manna's provision occurred during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a period marked by testing and reliance on God. The daily gathering of manna was a practical exercise in faith, as the Israelites had to trust that God would provide for them each day. Symbolism and Typology: Manna is often seen as a type of Christ, prefiguring the spiritual nourishment He provides. Just as manna was essential for the physical survival of the Israelites, Jesus is essential for spiritual life and sustenance. The temporary nature of manna also points to the need for a more permanent solution, fulfilled in Christ. Conclusion: Manna, as "angel's food," represents God's miraculous provision and care for His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God for all needs, both physical and spiritual. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:25Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Sons of God Epistles to the Seven Churches. The Duty of Searching the Scriptures The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ... Altogether Lovely Questions on the Explanations Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. Substitution A Psalm of Remembrance Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... Resources What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? | GotQuestions.org What is the Catholic sacrament of Holy Eucharist? | 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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