Topical Bible: Manna: Like in Colour to Bdellium

◄ Manna: Like in Colour to Bdellium ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous food provided 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. The description of manna in the Bible includes a comparison to bdellium, a precious resin, which provides insight into its appearance and nature.

Biblical Description

The primary biblical account of manna is found in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 16:14-15 , "When the layer of dew had evaporated, there were thin flakes like frost on the ground, appearing 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.'"

Further details about manna are provided in Numbers 11:7-9 : "Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of bdellium. The people went around gathering it, and they ground it on a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes, and it tasted like the flavor of fresh oil. When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna would fall with it."

Comparison to Bdellium

The comparison of manna to bdellium in Numbers 11:7 is significant. Bdellium is a gum resin, possibly similar to myrrh, known for its pale, translucent appearance. This comparison suggests that manna had a similar color and perhaps a glistening quality, enhancing its otherworldly and divine nature. The use of bdellium as a point of reference would have been meaningful to the Israelites, as bdellium was a known and valued substance in the ancient Near East.

Theological Significance

Manna is more than just physical sustenance; it is a profound symbol of God's faithfulness and provision. In Deuteronomy 8:3 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "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 spiritual lesson that reliance on God is paramount, and His word is the true sustenance for life.

New Testament References

The significance of manna extends into the New Testament, where it is used as a typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. In John 6:31-35 , Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna provided in the wilderness and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers: "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, described as being like bdellium in color, serves as a powerful testament to God's provision and care for His people. Its miraculous nature and the lessons it imparts continue to resonate throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to the fulfillment of God's promise in Jesus Christ, the true bread from heaven.