Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous provision from God to the Israelites during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. This divine sustenance is a central theme in the narrative of God's faithfulness and provision for His people, illustrating His response to their needs and prayers.Biblical Account The account of manna is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, they found themselves in the Desert of Sin, where they faced a dire lack of food. In their hunger, the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing their fear of starvation. In response to their cries, God promised to provide 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.'" Nature and Description of Manna Manna is described as a small, round substance, appearing like frost on the ground. Exodus 16:14-15 describes it: "When the layer of dew had evaporated, there were thin flakes like frost on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, 'It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.'" The taste of manna is likened to wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31), and it is said to have the appearance of bdellium (Numbers 11:7). The Israelites were instructed to gather only as much as they needed for each day, with a double portion on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest. Spiritual Significance Manna serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and care. It was given in direct response to the Israelites' needs and their prayers, demonstrating God's attentiveness to His people's cries. The daily provision of manna also served as a test of obedience and trust in God's commands, as the Israelites were to gather only what was needed for each day, relying on God for their sustenance. 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 "true bread from heaven." Jesus declares, "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." This connection underscores the spiritual nourishment and eternal life offered through Christ, surpassing the temporary physical sustenance provided by manna. Conclusion Manna, as a divine provision, highlights God's responsiveness to prayer and His unwavering commitment to care for His people. It serves as a testament to His faithfulness and a foreshadowing of the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 105:40The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Prayer and Faith The Redeemer's Prayer Things Unknown All Joy in all Trials Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Dilemma and Deliverance Out of and Into Contents, Arrangement and Excellence of Luther's Small Catechism. The Apocalypse of Baruch. 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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