Description of Manna

Manna, 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. The term "manna" is derived from the Hebrew word "man hu," which translates to "What is it?" This reflects the Israelites' initial reaction upon encountering the substance (Exodus 16:15).

The Bible provides a detailed description of manna in several passages. In Exodus 16:14-15, it is described as a fine, flake-like substance, as fine as frost on the ground. Numbers 11:7-9 further elaborates, stating, "Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. The people went around gathering it, and they ground it on a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes, and it tasted like the flavor of fresh oil." Additionally, Exodus 16:31 notes, "The house of Israel named the substance manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey."

Manna appeared with the morning dew and was available for collection each day except the Sabbath. The Israelites were instructed to gather only as much as they needed for each day, with a double portion provided on the sixth day to cover the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:22-26).

Preservation of Manna

The preservation of manna is a significant aspect of its narrative, highlighting both the miraculous nature of its provision and the obedience required of the Israelites. God commanded Moses to preserve an omer of manna as a testimony for future generations. Exodus 16:32-34 records, "Moses said, 'This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Keep an omer of manna for the generations to come, so that they may see the bread I gave you to eat in the wilderness when I brought you out of Egypt.'' So Moses told Aaron, 'Take a jar and fill it with an omer of manna. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come.' Just as the LORD commanded Moses, Aaron placed it in front of the Testimony to be preserved."

This preserved manna was kept in a golden jar and placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's provision and faithfulness to His people (Hebrews 9:4).

The daily collection of manna required the Israelites to trust in God's provision, as any attempt to store it overnight (except for the Sabbath) resulted in spoilage, with the manna becoming foul and filled with maggots (Exodus 16:19-20). This daily dependence on God for sustenance was a test of faith and obedience, teaching the Israelites to rely on Him for their needs.

Manna ceased to appear once the Israelites entered the Promised Land and began to eat the produce of Canaan (Joshua 5:12). This marked the end of their wilderness journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their covenant relationship with God.