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 is a central symbol of God's providence and care for His people.Biblical Account The account of manna is primarily found in Exodus 16. The Israelites, having left Egypt, found themselves in the Desert of Sin, where they began to grumble against Moses and Aaron due to the lack of food. In response, God promised to rain down bread from heaven for them. Each morning, the Israelites found a fine, flake-like substance on the ground, which they called "manna." The name "manna" is derived from the Hebrew phrase "man hu," meaning "What is it?" as the Israelites questioned its nature upon first seeing it (Exodus 16:15). Divine Instructions and Provision God provided specific instructions regarding the collection of manna. Each person was to gather an omer per person, according to the number of people in their tent. The miraculous nature of manna is highlighted in Exodus 16:18 : "When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat." This verse underscores the sufficiency of God's provision, ensuring that every individual had exactly what they needed, regardless of the amount they initially gathered. The Israelites were instructed to gather manna daily, except on the Sabbath. On the sixth day, they were to collect a double portion, as no manna would appear on the seventh day, the Sabbath, which was to be a day of rest. This command tested the Israelites' obedience and trust in God's provision. Symbolism and Significance Manna serves as a profound symbol of God's faithfulness and the importance of reliance on Him for daily sustenance. It teaches the principle of contentment and trust in divine provision, as each person received precisely what was necessary for their needs. The daily gathering of manna also emphasized the need for continual dependence on God, rather than hoarding or relying on one's own efforts. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to manna in John 6:31-35, drawing a parallel between the manna provided to the Israelites and Himself as the "true bread from heaven." 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). This connection highlights the spiritual sustenance and eternal life offered through faith in Christ. Preservation and Memorial To commemorate God's provision, Moses instructed Aaron to place an omer of manna in a jar and keep it before the LORD as a testimony for future generations (Exodus 16:32-34). This jar of manna was later placed in the Ark of the Covenant, serving as a lasting reminder of God's faithfulness and the miraculous sustenance He provided during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Manna remains a powerful testament to God's provision, teaching believers about reliance on divine grace and the sufficiency found in God's care. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:18And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 'The Matter of a Day in Its Day' Ephesians vi. 14 How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ... A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off ... Counsels and Reminiscences of Soeur Therese, the Little Flower of ... The Duty of Every Day A Little Sanctuary 1 Cor. xiii. 8 Providence 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) |