Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Manna, often referred to as the "Corn of Heaven," is a miraculous substance provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine provision is a significant symbol of God's sustenance and care for His people, illustrating His ability to provide for their needs in seemingly impossible circumstances. Biblical Description: Manna is first introduced in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites, having left Egypt, found themselves in the wilderness without food. In response to their complaints, God promised to rain down bread from heaven. Exodus 16:4 states, "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.'" The physical characteristics of manna are described 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 highlights its unique and appealing nature, both in appearance and taste. Divine Provision and Instructions: Manna was provided daily, except on the Sabbath. The Israelites were instructed to gather only what was needed for each day, with a double portion collected on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest. This daily provision served as a test of obedience and trust in God's provision. Exodus 16:19-20 records, "Then Moses said to them, 'No one may keep any of it until morning.' But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them." Symbolism and Significance: Manna is more than just physical sustenance; it is a profound symbol of God's faithfulness and the spiritual nourishment He provides. In Deuteronomy 8:3 , Moses reflects on the purpose of manna: "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." New Testament Reference: In the New Testament, Jesus refers to manna in John 6:31-35 to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth: "Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Here, Jesus positions Himself as the true bread from heaven, offering eternal life and spiritual fulfillment beyond the physical sustenance that manna provided. Conclusion: Manna, the "Corn of Heaven," remains a powerful testament to God's provision and a foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual nourishment found in Christ. Through manna, God not only met the physical needs of the Israelites but also taught them reliance on His word and promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:24And had rained down manna on them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hidden Manna On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ... A Believer's Privilege at Death 'Impossible, --Only I Saw It' The Gospel Feast John vi. 53, 54 The Immaculate Conception Psalm CV. 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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