Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionManna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," was the miraculous sustenance provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine provision is a significant event in biblical history, illustrating God's care and the importance of obedience to His commandments, particularly the observance of the Sabbath. Biblical Account The account of manna is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, they faced a lack of food, which led to complaints against Moses and Aaron. In response, God promised to rain down bread from heaven for them. The instructions regarding the collection of manna were specific and served as a test of the Israelites' obedience. Exodus 16:4-5 : "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. Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.'" The Sabbath Provision A key aspect of the manna narrative is its relationship to the Sabbath. God instructed the Israelites to gather twice as much manna on the sixth day, as none would fall on the seventh day, the Sabbath. This was to ensure that the day of rest was observed without the need for gathering food. Exodus 16:22-26 : "On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much food—two omers per person—and all the leaders of the congregation came and reported this to Moses. He told them, 'This is what the LORD has said: Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil, then set aside whatever remains and keep it until morning.' So they set it aside until morning as Moses had commanded, and it did not smell or contain any maggots. 'Eat it today,' Moses said, 'because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find anything in the field today. For six days you may gather, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, it will not be there.'" Significance of the Sabbath Observance The absence of manna on the Sabbath day underscored the sanctity of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. It was a divine ordinance that required trust in God's provision and a commitment to His commandments. The Israelites' adherence to this command was a testament to their faith and obedience. Exodus 16:27-30 : "Yet on the seventh day, some of the people went out to gather, but they did not find anything. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'How long will you refuse to keep My commandments and instructions? Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. Each of you must stay where you are; no one may leave his place on the seventh day.' So the people rested on the seventh day." Theological Implications The provision of manna and its cessation on the Sabbath day highlights several theological themes. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the provider for His people. The narrative also reinforces the importance of the Sabbath as a divine institution meant for rest and reflection on God's goodness. The Israelites' experience with manna serves as a reminder of the need for faith and obedience in the life of believers. Conclusion The account of manna, particularly the aspect of its absence on the Sabbath, remains a powerful illustration of God's provision and the importance of observing His commandments. It serves as a timeless lesson in trust, obedience, and the sanctity of the Sabbath. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:26,27Six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ... The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford. The Fourth Commandment Dilemma and Deliverance Jesus the Bread of Life. Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Altogether Lovely The Land and the People. The Gospel of Luke The Nature of Spiritual Hunger 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) |
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