Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous substance provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The term "manna" is derived from the Hebrew word "man hu," which translates to "What is it?" This reflects the Israelites' initial reaction upon encountering this divine provision (Exodus 16:15).Biblical Account and Description The primary account of manna is found in the Book of Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, they faced the challenge of finding sustenance. In response to their needs, 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.'" Manna appeared after the dew had settled on the camp. Exodus 16:13-14 describes the event: "So it came about that at evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground." The manna is described as being like coriander seed, white, and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). Numbers 11:7-8 further elaborates, "Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. The people would go about and gather it, grind it between two millstones or pound it in a mortar, then boil it in a pot and make it into cakes. And it tasted like the flavor of olive oil." Divine Provision and Instructions Manna served as a daily reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. The Israelites were instructed to gather only what was needed for each day, with a double portion to be collected on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:5). This command tested their obedience and trust in God's provision. Those who attempted to gather more than needed found that the excess would spoil by the next day, except on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:19-20). Symbolism and Significance Manna holds significant symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It represents God's sustenance and care for His people, emphasizing reliance on divine provision rather than human effort. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "true bread from heaven," drawing a parallel between manna and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers (John 6:31-35). Preservation and Memorial To commemorate this miraculous provision, God commanded Moses to preserve a portion of manna in a jar to be kept before the Testimony as a lasting memorial for future generations (Exodus 16:32-34). This act served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the miraculous sustenance provided during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Manna, as a divine provision, underscores the theme of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His daily provision. It remains a powerful symbol of God's care and sustenance for His people throughout biblical history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 11:9And when the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ... Here Next Followeth the History of Moses The Immaculate Conception The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. Counsels and Reminiscences of Soeur Therese, the Little Flower of ... The Fourth Commandment The Second Theological Oration. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes A Canticle of Love 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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