The instructions for gathering manna are detailed in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 16. Manna, described as bread from heaven, was provided by God to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This miraculous provision served both as sustenance and as a test of obedience to God's commands.

Provision and Description

Manna appeared each morning after the dew evaporated, resembling coriander seed and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). It was a divine provision meant to sustain the Israelites during their 40-year sojourn in the desert.

Gathering Instructions

The Lord provided specific instructions for gathering manna, emphasizing obedience and reliance on His provision. According to Exodus 16:16-18 :

“This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’” The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered more, and some less. When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat.

The instructions highlighted the importance of gathering only what was necessary for each day, fostering a daily dependence on God.

Sabbath Observance

A significant aspect of the manna instructions was the observance of the Sabbath. On the sixth day, the Israelites were commanded to gather twice as much manna, as no manna would appear on the seventh day, the Sabbath. Exodus 16:23-26 states:

He told them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil, and save whatever is left over and keep it until morning.’” So they set it aside until morning as Moses had commanded, and it did not smell or contain any maggots. “Eat it today,” Moses said, “because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find anything in the field today. For six days you may gather, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, it will not be there.”

This instruction underscored the sanctity of the Sabbath and the importance of preparation and trust in God's provision.

Lessons in Obedience and Faith

The gathering of manna served as a test of the Israelites' obedience and faith. Despite clear instructions, some attempted to gather manna on the Sabbath, finding none, and others tried to keep it overnight on other days, only to find it spoiled (Exodus 16:19-20, 27-28). These incidents highlighted the necessity of adhering to God's commands and trusting in His daily provision.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Manna holds symbolic significance in biblical theology. It prefigures the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ, as Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:31-35, drawing a parallel between the manna given to the Israelites and His own role as the sustainer of spiritual life. The daily gathering of manna also serves as a metaphor for the believer's daily reliance on God's Word and grace.

In summary, the instructions for gathering manna were not merely practical guidelines but were deeply intertwined with themes of obedience, faith, and divine provision, serving as a continual reminder of God's care and the importance of trusting in His promises.