Exodus 16:31

Now the house of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.

Study Bible

Now the house of Israel
This phrase refers to the collective community of the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt. The term "house of Israel" emphasizes their unity and shared identity as descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. Historically, this period marks a formative time for the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness, learning to trust in God's provision and guidance.

called the bread manna
The word "manna" is derived from the Hebrew "man hu," which means "What is it?" This reflects the Israelites' initial reaction to this miraculous provision from God. Manna symbolizes God's direct intervention and sustenance, providing for His people's needs in a barren wilderness. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of relying on Him for daily sustenance.

It was white like coriander seed
The description of manna as "white like coriander seed" provides a visual and tangible connection to something familiar to the Israelites. Coriander seeds are small and round, and their whiteness suggests purity and divine origin. This imagery reinforces the idea that manna was a heavenly provision, distinct from earthly food sources, and underscores its miraculous nature.

and tasted like wafers made with honey
The taste of manna is described as being like "wafers made with honey," which conveys a sense of sweetness and delight. Honey was a prized delicacy in ancient times, often associated with abundance and blessing. This description not only highlights the pleasantness of God's provision but also foreshadows the "land flowing with milk and honey" that God promised to the Israelites. It serves as a foretaste of the blessings to come and a testament to God's goodness and generosity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. House of Israel
Refers to the collective descendants of Jacob, also known as the Israelites, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying through the wilderness.

2. Manna
The miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. It was a daily provision that sustained them physically and spiritually.

3. Wilderness
The desert region where the Israelites wandered after their exodus from Egypt. It was a place of testing and reliance on God's provision.

4. Coriander Seed
A plant whose seeds are small and round, used here to describe the appearance of manna.

5. Wafers Made with Honey
Describes the taste of manna, indicating it was sweet and pleasant, symbolizing God's goodness and care.

Teaching Points

God's Provision
Manna symbolizes God's faithful provision for His people. Just as He provided for the Israelites' physical needs, He provides for our spiritual needs through Christ.

Daily Dependence
The Israelites had to gather manna daily, teaching us to rely on God each day for our needs and to seek His guidance continually.

Obedience and Trust
The instructions regarding manna required obedience and trust in God's timing and methods. We are called to trust and obey God's Word, even when we don't understand His ways.

Contentment and Gratitude
The sweet taste of manna reminds us to be content and grateful for God's blessings, recognizing His goodness in our lives.

Spiritual Nourishment
Just as manna sustained the Israelites physically, God's Word and the presence of Christ sustain us spiritually. We must regularly "feed" on His Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of manna as "wafers made with honey" reflect God's character and His provision for us today?

2. In what ways can we practice daily dependence on God, similar to how the Israelites depended on manna?

3. How does the concept of manna as a daily provision challenge our understanding of obedience and trust in God's timing?

4. What parallels can we draw between the manna provided to the Israelites and Jesus as the "bread of life" in our spiritual journey?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of contentment and gratitude for God's provision in our lives, even when it may not meet our expectations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 16:4-5
Describes God's initial provision of manna and the instructions given to the Israelites, emphasizing obedience and trust in God's daily provision.

Numbers 11:7-9
Provides additional details about manna, including its preparation and the Israelites' response, highlighting their dependence on God.

John 6:31-35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna in the wilderness and His provision of spiritual sustenance.

Deuteronomy 8:3
Moses reminds the Israelites that God provided manna to teach them that man does not live by bread alone but by every word from God.