Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Manna is a miraculous provision of food given by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine sustenance is a significant symbol of God's provision and care for His people, as well as a test of their obedience and faith. Biblical Account: The account of manna is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 16. After the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and journeyed into the Desert of Sin, they began to murmur against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. The Israelites expressed their longing for the "pots of meat" and "bread to the full" they had in Egypt (Exodus 16:3). In response to their complaints, 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" (Exodus 16:4). This provision was not only a physical sustenance but also a spiritual test of obedience and reliance on God. Description and Collection: Manna appeared each morning after the dew evaporated, described as "fine flakes like frost on the ground" (Exodus 16:14). The Israelites were instructed 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 appear (Exodus 16:16-26). The manna was described as "white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey" (Exodus 16:31). It could be ground and baked into cakes, providing a versatile and sustaining food source throughout their wilderness journey. Significance and Symbolism: Manna holds deep theological significance as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. It served as a daily reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for their sustenance and survival. The daily gathering of manna was a test of obedience, teaching the Israelites to trust in God's provision and to live according to His commands. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "true bread from heaven" (John 6:32), drawing a parallel between the manna provided to the Israelites and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers. 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), emphasizing the eternal and spiritual nourishment He provides. Preservation and Memorial: As a memorial of God's provision, the LORD commanded Moses to preserve an omer of manna in a jar to be kept before the Testimony (Exodus 16:32-34). This jar of manna was later placed in the Ark of the Covenant, serving as a lasting testimony to future generations of God's miraculous provision and faithfulness during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Conclusion: Manna remains a powerful symbol of God's provision, faithfulness, and the importance of obedience and trust in His promises. Through the daily provision of manna, God not only sustained the physical needs of the Israelites but also taught them profound spiritual lessons that resonate throughout Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:2,3And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Bread of God Weighed, and Found Wanting The Crisis in Galilee Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ... Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Perseverance of Saints. Thanksgiving Versus Complaining The Gospel of Luke The Prodigal and his Brother. CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). 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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