Manna

Manna, as described in the Bible, refers to the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. The term "manna" comes from the Hebrew word "mān," which means "What is it?" This reflects the initial reaction of the Israelites when they first encountered this unfamiliar substance (Exodus 16:15). Manna is often described as being like coriander seed, white, and having a taste reminiscent of honey (Exodus 16:31). The significance of manna extends beyond its physical sustenance; it symbolizes God's provision and faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 8:3, it is noted that God allowed the Israelites to hunger and then fed them with manna to teach them that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." This highlights the spiritual lesson of reliance on God for both physical and spiritual nourishment. Moreover, in the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna that sustained the Israelites and the spiritual sustenance He offers to believers (John 6:31-35). Thus, manna is both a historical account of God's provision and a deeper metaphor for spiritual reliance on God.

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