Manna, often referred to as "bread from heaven," is a miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The account of manna is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, with additional references in Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Nehemiah, Psalms, and the New Testament.

Biblical Account:

The first mention of manna occurs in Exodus 16. The Israelites, having left Egypt, found themselves in the Desert of Sin, where they grumbled against Moses and Aaron due to a lack of food. In response, God promised to rain down bread from heaven. Exodus 16:4 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.'"

Manna appeared each morning after the dew evaporated, resembling white coriander seed and tasting like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). The Israelites were instructed to gather only as much as they needed for each day, with a double portion on the sixth day to prepare for the Sabbath. Any excess kept overnight would spoil, except on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:19-24).

Symbolism and Significance:

Manna is symbolic of God's provision and faithfulness. It served as a daily reminder of His care and sustenance. In Deuteronomy 8:3 , Moses reflects on this, saying, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD."

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "true bread from heaven" (John 6:32-35), drawing a parallel between the manna that sustained the Israelites physically and His own role as the spiritual sustenance for believers.

Sabbath Instructions

The Sabbath, a day of rest on the seventh day of the week, is a central aspect of Jewish law and tradition, rooted in the creation narrative and the Ten Commandments. The instructions regarding the Sabbath are intertwined with the provision of manna, highlighting the importance of rest and reliance on God.

Biblical Account:

The Sabbath is first introduced in Genesis 2:2-3 , where God rests on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth. This divine rest sets a precedent for the Sabbath, later codified in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God" (Exodus 20:8-10).

In the context of manna, the Sabbath instructions are clear. The Israelites were to gather a double portion on the sixth day, as no manna would appear on the seventh day. This was a test of obedience and trust in God's provision. Exodus 16:29 emphasizes, "Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to leave his place."

Theological Implications:

The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for rest and worship. It underscores the rhythm of work and rest ordained by God and serves as a reminder of His creation and deliverance. The provision of manna in relation to the Sabbath illustrates God's desire for His people to trust in His provision and to rest in His promises.

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the Sabbath's purpose, emphasizing mercy and the well-being of individuals over strict legalism (Mark 2:27: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath"). The Sabbath rest is also seen as a foreshadowing of the eternal rest promised to believers in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).