Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous provision from God to the Israelites during their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness following the Exodus from Egypt. This divine sustenance is first introduced in the book of Exodus and serves as a significant symbol of God's provision, care, and testing of His people.Biblical Account and Description The account of manna begins in Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having departed from Egypt, find themselves in the Desert of Sin, grumbling against Moses and Aaron due to a lack of food. In response, God promises to "rain down bread from heaven" for them (Exodus 16:4). The manna appears each morning, described as "a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground" (Exodus 16:14). It is likened to coriander seed, white in color, and its taste is compared to wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). Purpose: To Humble and Prove Israel The provision of manna serves a dual purpose: to humble and to test the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 8:2-3, Moses reflects on this period, stating, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. 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" . This passage highlights the humbling aspect of manna, as it required the Israelites to depend daily on God's provision, stripping away self-reliance and fostering trust in His faithfulness. The daily gathering of manna, with specific instructions not to hoard it, was a test of obedience and faith, ensuring that the Israelites relied on God for their sustenance. Spiritual Significance Manna holds profound spiritual significance, prefiguring the ultimate provision of Jesus Christ, the "bread of life." In John 6:31-35, Jesus draws a parallel between Himself and manna, stating, "Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'" Conclusion Manna, as a divine provision, serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the necessity of reliance on Him. It is a testament to the spiritual truth that sustenance and life are found not merely in physical nourishment but in the Word and presence of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 8:16Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers knew not, that he might humble you, and that he might prove you, to do you good at your latter end; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God's Training John Chapter ii. 23-25; iii. 5-Jan The Early Training of a Race. National Wealth The Duty of Searching the Scriptures Distinguishing Grace Salvation of the Lord The Pentateuch. The First Book Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise 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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