Topical Encyclopedia Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous provision of food given by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey through 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, with additional references in Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Nehemiah, Psalms, and the New Testament. The initial provision of manna is described in Exodus 16. After the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron due to a lack of food, 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). 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. The manna was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). Purpose and Significance Manna served multiple purposes. It was a physical sustenance, ensuring the survival of the Israelites in the barren wilderness. Spiritually, it was a test of obedience, as the Israelites were commanded to gather only what was needed for each day, except before the Sabbath. This daily dependence on God's provision was a lesson in trust and reliance on Him. The miraculous nature of manna is further emphasized by its preservation in the Ark of the Covenant. Moses instructed Aaron to "Take a jar and fill it with an omer of manna. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come" (Exodus 16:33). This served as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. Symbolism and Typology Manna holds deep symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It prefigures the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ, as seen in the New Testament. Jesus refers to Himself as the "true bread from heaven" in John 6:32-35, drawing a parallel between the manna given to the Israelites and His own role as the sustainer of spiritual life. "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world" (John 6:33). Cessation The provision of manna ceased when the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Joshua 5:12 states, "The manna ceased the day after they ate the produce of the land, and there was no more manna for the Israelites. So that year they began to eat the crops of the land of Canaan" . This marked the end of their wilderness journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the land God had promised to their ancestors. Conclusion Manna remains a powerful testament to God's provision, faithfulness, and the importance of obedience and trust in His promises. Its legacy continues to inspire and instruct believers in their spiritual journey, reminding them of the sustenance that comes from God alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:4,15Then said the LORD to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:15 Library The Early Training of a Race. Third Sunday Before Lent Interpretation of Prophecy. The Pentateuch. The Inexhaustible Barrel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Gospel of Luke Light for them that Sit in Darkness; part ii 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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