Topical Bible: Manna: Called: Bread from Heaven

◄ Manna: Called: Bread from Heaven ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Description:
Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine sustenance is described in the Bible as a small, round substance, like coriander seed, white in color, and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31).

Biblical Account:
The account of manna is primarily found in the book of Exodus. After the Israelites departed from Egypt and crossed the Red Sea, they found themselves in the Desert of Sin, where they began to grumble against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. In response to their complaints, God promised to rain down bread from heaven for them (Exodus 16:4).

Provision and Instructions:
God instructed the Israelites to gather a specific amount of manna each day, enough for each person to eat. On the sixth day, they were to gather twice as much, in preparation for the Sabbath, when no manna would fall (Exodus 16:5). This daily provision was a test of their obedience and reliance on God.

Miraculous Nature:
Manna appeared each morning with the dew, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away (Exodus 16:21). The Israelites were to gather an omer per person, and miraculously, those who gathered much had no excess, and those who gathered little had no lack (Exodus 16:18). Any manna kept until the next day, except on the Sabbath, would breed worms and stink (Exodus 16:20).

Symbolism and Significance:
Manna is symbolic of God's provision and faithfulness. It served as a daily reminder of His care and sustenance. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "true bread from heaven," drawing a parallel between the manna given to the Israelites and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers (John 6:32-35).

Preservation:
As a testimony for future generations, God commanded Moses to preserve an omer of manna in a jar and place it before the Testimony, where it was kept as a reminder of God's provision (Exodus 16:32-34).

Duration:
The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan (Exodus 16:35).

Cultural and Theological Impact:
Manna has been a subject of theological reflection and cultural reference throughout history. It represents God's miraculous intervention and His ability to provide for His people in seemingly impossible circumstances. The account of manna continues to inspire faith and trust in God's provision among believers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 16:4
Then said the LORD to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:31
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hidden Manna
... Hidden Manna. ... was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by
thy ... My soul hungered even to ravenousness to be fed upon the bread of heaven. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

The Rock of Ages
... I am that bread of life ... and they, when they have drunk, are filled with the most
universal manna. ... Therefore he is rightly called the Rock, the Rock of Ages, the ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xiv the rock of.htm

John Chapter vi. 41-59
... also came down from heaven; but the manna was only a ... he shall live for ever: and
the bread that I ... When did flesh comprehend this flesh which He called bread? ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvi john chapter vi.htm

John vi. 28-30
... bread," not because the miracle of the manna was false ... Him a Prophet, were here offended,
and called Him the ... asked and enquired how He was the "bread of life ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlv john vi 28-30.htm

The Third
... the Covenant, "that they may see the bread wherewith I ... That manna was to be "hidden,"
and "kept," to remind ... [51] In the Hebrew Canon Exodus is called the Book ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the third.htm

Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms.
... Thou?" they said, "Our fathers did eat manna in the ... the rest said reverently, "Lord,
evermore give us this bread.". ... Spirit to give them, and He called them to a ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiv walking the wavesthe.htm

Spiritual Meaning of the Passover.
... mysteries of Scripture, so that it may be called, tropically, the ... turn until that
which comes after the unleavened bread is given us, the manna, which is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 spiritual meaning of the.htm

The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ...
... it had that of them who had eaten the Manna and died ... deathless life which was connected
with it: the Bread that I ... [3461] Canon Westcott has called attention to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxii the great crisis.htm

Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's ...
... and remembered the words, 'I am that bread of life ... Your fathers did eat manna in
the wilderness, and are dead ... them an opportunity to depart he called forth from ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxiv discourse on spiritual food.htm

The Crisis in Galilee
... Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are ... mouth of God." This is eating
the Bread that comes ... They were called to become self-sacrificing, meek and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 41 the crisis in.htm