Manna, the miraculous sustenance provided by God to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, holds significant theological and historical importance. It served as a daily reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. However, the Israelites' response to this divine gift was not always one of gratitude, and their despising of manna led to severe consequences.

Biblical Context

Manna first appears in the biblical narrative in Exodus 16, where God provides it as a daily sustenance for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. Described as a fine, flake-like substance, manna appeared each morning with the dew and was gathered by the people for their daily needs. It is described as tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31).

The Israelites' Complaints

Despite the miraculous nature of manna, the Israelites grew weary of it. In Numbers 11, the people expressed their dissatisfaction, longing for the varied diet they had in Egypt. They lamented, "Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!" (Numbers 11:4-6).

Divine Response and Punishment

The Israelites' complaints were not merely about food; they reflected a deeper ingratitude and lack of trust in God's provision. Their disdain for manna was a rejection of God's care and a longing to return to the bondage of Egypt. In response, God was angered by their lack of faith and gratitude. Numbers 11:10 states, "Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance of their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled" .

God's response was twofold. First, He provided quail in abundance, satisfying their craving for meat. However, this was accompanied by a severe plague as a punishment for their ingratitude and rebellion. Numbers 11:33 recounts, "While the meat was still between their teeth and before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague" .

Theological Implications

The episode of the Israelites despising manna serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ingratitude and the rejection of divine provision. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan and being content with His gifts. The punishment meted out to the Israelites highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and ingratitude.

Conclusion

The narrative of manna and the Israelites' punishment for despising it is a powerful reminder of the need for faith and gratitude in the face of divine provision. It calls believers to recognize and appreciate God's daily blessings, trusting in His wisdom and care even when circumstances seem challenging.Numbers 11:10-20
Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... he shall speak, and look for his sermons, as the Israelites looked for the manna,
day by day ... he suffered in thy room and place, he has been punished for thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the work of the holy.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... God would be great, if He merely punished sin, and ... dried away: we have nought save
this manna to look to ... marriage feasts and from His not despising the banquets ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

part ii
... by the grace of God." "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?" [675] "Without
Me ye can do nothing." [676] Should the thought of despising any of your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... gift, and the temple sanctifieth the gold; so the person, the condition of the person,
is that which makes the offering either pleasing or despising (Matthew 23 ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

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Manna: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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