Topical Bible: Manna: Like Coriander Seed

◄ Manna: Like Coriander Seed ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Manna, often described 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. The term "manna" is derived from the Hebrew word "man hu," which translates to "What is it?" This reflects the Israelites' initial reaction upon encountering this divine sustenance (Exodus 16:15).

Biblical Description and Characteristics

The Bible provides specific details about the appearance and characteristics of manna. In Exodus 16:31, it is described as being "like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers made with honey." This description is further elaborated in Numbers 11:7-8: "Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. The people went around gathering it, and they ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes, and it tasted like something made with olive oil."

The comparison to coriander seed suggests that manna was small and round, similar in size and shape to the seeds of the coriander plant. The mention of its white color and sweet taste like honey or olive oil indicates its pleasant and nourishing qualities.

Divine Provision and Instructions

Manna was provided by God as a daily sustenance for the Israelites, demonstrating His care and provision. Each morning, except on the Sabbath, manna appeared on the ground after the dew evaporated. The Israelites were instructed to gather only as much as they needed for each day, with a double portion collected on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:4-5).

The miraculous nature of manna is further emphasized by its inability to be stored overnight without spoiling, except for the portion collected for the Sabbath, which remained fresh (Exodus 16:19-24). This daily dependence on God's provision was a test of faith and obedience for the Israelites.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Manna holds significant symbolic and theological meaning within the biblical narrative. It represents God's faithful provision and sustenance, teaching the Israelites to rely on Him for their daily needs. This theme of divine provision is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between manna and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers (John 6:31-35).

Furthermore, manna serves as a reminder of God's covenant relationship with His people, highlighting His commitment to care for and guide them through the wilderness. It underscores the importance of trust and obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites learned to depend on Him for their survival.

Preservation of Manna

As a testament to God's provision, a portion of manna was preserved in a golden jar and placed in the Ark of the Covenant, as instructed by God to Moses (Exodus 16:32-34; Hebrews 9:4). This served as a perpetual reminder to future generations of God's faithfulness and the miraculous sustenance He provided during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 16:31
And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 11:7
And the manna was as coriander seed, and the color thereof as the color of bdellium.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Then Moses, Exulting in the Safety of his Own People...
... the appearance of which was like a coriander-seed of snowy ... for forty years; its taste
was very like that of honey; and its name is handed down as being manna. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xvi then moses exulting.htm

How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led
... honey in sweetness and pleasant taste, but like in its ... the sweet spices, and in bigness
equal to coriander seed. ... now, in all that place, this manna comes down ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how moses when.htm

Paul's Desire to Depart
... Here do we have the manna falling small, like coriander seed, but there shall
we eat the bread of heaven and the old corn of the kingdom. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/pauls desire to depart.htm

The Redeemer's Prayer
... We shall not eat of manna that shall be like a small round thing, a coriander seed,
but the manna whereof we feed shall be mountains, the broad hills of food ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the redeemers prayer.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... circuit. Which when they saw and came for to gather, it was small and white
like to coriander. And ... And it was called Manna. Moses ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... Their chiefs were accustomed, like their neighbours, to use, for correspondence
with other countries, the cuneiform mode of writing; they had among them ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm