Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Description:Manna, often referred to as the "Bread of 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, appearing on the ground each morning after the dew evaporated. Biblical References: The primary account of manna is found in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 16:4 , the Lord says 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." This passage highlights the divine origin of manna and its role as a test of obedience for the Israelites. Further description is provided in Exodus 16:31 : "Now the house of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey." This description emphasizes the pleasant taste and appearance of manna, underscoring its suitability as a staple food during the Israelites' journey. Significance in Israelite History: Manna served as the primary sustenance for the Israelites throughout their wilderness wanderings. It was a daily reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. The Israelites were instructed to gather only enough for each day, except on the sixth day when they were to gather a double portion to prepare for the Sabbath (Exodus 16:22-26). This practice reinforced the importance of the Sabbath and reliance on God's provision. Symbolism and Theological Implications: Manna is rich in symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It represents God's care and provision, teaching the Israelites to depend on Him for their daily needs. In Deuteronomy 8:3 , Moses reflects on this lesson: "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." 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 "true bread from heaven." Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This connection highlights the fulfillment of God's provision through Christ, offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Cultural and Historical Context: The provision of manna is set against the backdrop of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land. This period was marked by challenges and reliance on divine intervention. Manna, as a daily miracle, reinforced the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding them of His presence and guidance. Conclusion: Manna, as the "Bread of Heaven," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. It serves as a testament to God's provision, a symbol of spiritual nourishment, and a foreshadowing of the ultimate sustenance found in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 105:40The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hidden Manna The Rock of Ages John Chapter vi. 41-59 John vi. 28-30 The Third Walking the Waves --The Two Kingdoms. Spiritual Meaning of the Passover. The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ... Discourse on Spiritual Food and True Discipleship. Peter's ... The Crisis in Galilee 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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