Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionManna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous substance provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This divine provision is a central theme in the narrative of God's sustenance and care for His people, as recorded in the Old Testament. The term "manna" is derived from the Hebrew word "man hu," which translates to "What is it?"—a question posed by the Israelites upon first encountering this mysterious food (Exodus 16:15). Biblical Account The primary account of manna is found in Exodus 16, where the Israelites, having left Egypt, find themselves in the Desert of Sin, grumbling about the lack of food. In response, God promises to "rain down bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). Each morning, the Israelites discover a fine, flaky substance on the ground, described as "white like coriander seed and tasting like wafers made with honey" (Exodus 16:31). The people are instructed to gather only as much as they need for each day, with a double portion on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath rest. Characteristics and Instructions Manna appeared with the morning dew and melted away as the sun grew hot (Exodus 16:21). It was to be collected daily, emphasizing reliance on God's provision. Any attempt to hoard manna resulted in spoilage, except for the portion gathered on the sixth day, which remained fresh for the Sabbath (Exodus 16:19-24). This pattern underscored the importance of obedience and trust in God's commands. Symbolism and Significance Manna holds deep symbolic significance within the biblical narrative. It represents God's faithfulness and the sustenance He provides for His people. The daily provision of manna is a testament to God's care and a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on Him. In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reflects on this period, stating, "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" . New Testament References In the New Testament, manna is referenced as a type of Christ, the true "bread of life." In John 6:31-35, Jesus draws a parallel between Himself and the manna provided in the wilderness, declaring, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" . This connection highlights the spiritual nourishment and eternal life offered through faith in Christ. Preservation and Memorial A portion of manna was preserved as a testimony to future generations. God instructed Moses to place an omer of manna in a jar and keep it before the Testimony, later housed in the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 16:32-34; Hebrews 9:4). This act served as a perpetual reminder of God's provision and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Conclusion Manna remains a profound symbol of divine provision and faithfulness, illustrating the spiritual truths of reliance on God and the sustenance found in His Word. Through the lens of Scripture, manna is not merely a historical phenomenon but a testament to God's enduring care and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 8:3,16And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD does man live. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Break to Canada Translator's Preface. In the Providence of God The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Sibylline Oracles. The Reaction against Egypt Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Memphite Empire The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Against Jovinianus. 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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