Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "God's Manna," 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 central theme in the narrative of God's faithfulness and sustenance for His people during a time of trial and dependence.Biblical Description and Occurrence The first mention of manna is found in Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having left Egypt, begin to grumble about the lack of food in the desert. In response, God promises to "rain down bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). The manna appears each morning, described as "a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground" (Exodus 16:14). The Israelites are instructed to gather only as much as they need for each day, emphasizing reliance on God's daily provision. Manna is further 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 both its appearance and its pleasant taste, underscoring the graciousness of God's provision. Divine Instructions and Significance God provides specific instructions regarding the collection and consumption of manna. The Israelites are to gather an omer per person each day, with a double portion on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath, when no manna would fall (Exodus 16:22-26). This commandment serves as a test of obedience and trust in God's provision, as well as a precursor to the observance of the Sabbath rest. The significance of manna extends beyond physical sustenance. It is a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and a reminder of His ability to provide for His people in seemingly impossible circumstances. In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reflects on this, stating, "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" . Symbolism and New Testament References Manna holds symbolic meaning in both the Old and New Testaments. 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 declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). This connection emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision, offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Preservation and Memorial To commemorate God's provision, a portion of manna is preserved in a jar and placed before the Testimony, as instructed by God to Moses: "Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so that they may see the bread I gave you to eat in the wilderness when I brought you out of Egypt" (Exodus 16:32). This act serves as a lasting testimony to future generations of God's miraculous care and the importance of remembering His deeds. Conclusion Manna, as God's miraculous provision, remains a powerful testament to His faithfulness and care for His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reliance on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, the true bread from heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:20You gave also your good spirit to instruct them, and withheld not your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hidden Manna Book 3 Footnotes Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ... The Redeemer's Prayer The Rock of Ages The Third Joy A Ribband of Blue. The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service ... Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ... Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is working on Sunday a sin? | 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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