Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous provision from God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine sustenance is first introduced in the Book of Exodus and serves not only as physical nourishment but also as a means to test the obedience and faith of the Israelites.Biblical Account and Description The account of manna is primarily found in Exodus 16. The Israelites, having left Egypt, found themselves in the Desert of Sin, where they grumbled against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. In response, God promised to rain down bread from heaven for them. 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.'" Manna appeared each morning after the dew evaporated, described as a fine, flake-like substance, as fine as frost on the ground (Exodus 16:14). It tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31) and was to be gathered daily, with a double portion provided on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest. A Test of Obedience The provision of manna was explicitly designed as a test of obedience. The Israelites were instructed to gather only what was needed for each day, with no leftovers to be kept until morning, except on the sixth day. This command was a test of their trust in God's provision and their willingness to adhere to His instructions. 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." The test extended to the observance of the Sabbath. On the sixth day, the Israelites were to gather twice as much, and the manna would not spoil overnight, unlike on other days. This required faith in God's provision and a commitment to rest on the Sabbath as commanded. Exodus 16:29 emphasizes this, "Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one may leave his place." Symbolism and Significance Manna is rich in symbolic meaning, representing God's faithful provision and the necessity of reliance on Him. It prefigures the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ, as seen in John 6:31-35 , where Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna given to the Israelites and His own role as the sustainer of spiritual life. The daily gathering of manna underscores the principle of daily dependence on God, a theme echoed in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). The test of obedience through manna serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's provision and adhering to His commands, a lesson that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:4Then 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 Library Hidden Manna The Temptation Prayer and Faith The Messianic Call The Apocalypse of Baruch. "In the Spirit and Power of Elias" Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Scriptures A Persuasive to Steadfastness On the Death of his Father. 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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