The Place of Eating

Introduction: It is reassuring to know that even when we murmur against the Lord He graciously meets our need--not because of our sin, but in spite of it. His answer to spiritual hunger is "bread from heaven." He provides a place of eating in the wilderness world.

I. The Appearance of the Manna  (Exodus 16:7, 14)

The Bible gives a precise description of the appearance of this food. To understand the significance of the appearance of the manna, we need to observe:

  The Manner of the Appearance

The dew, in Scripture, is always an emblem of the Holy Spirit. So it is not surprising to learn that the manna never appeared without the presence of the dew. Likewise, the Lord Jesus is never made real to the believer's heart through the Word without the vibrant ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The Meaning of the Appearance

In Hebrew, manna means, “what is it?”; in Chaldean, “a gift or portion;” in our English understanding, it simply means,  “bread.” In every detail the manna speaks of Christ as the Bread of Life (Ex. 16:11-31; Num. 11:1-9). The Holy Spirit reveals Him as we study the Word of God.

II. The Abundance of the Manna  (Exodus 16:4)

What a vivid description this is of the abundance of God's provision! His provision was a miraculous abundance. The manna was not a product of the earth; it was not something that Israel brought with them out of Egypt. It was the provision of God from heaven.

III.  The Allowance of the Manna  (Exodus 16:16) 

Given here are some very practical instructions that demand careful attention. Observe specifically that the manna was to be gathered early (Exodus 16:7). We must continually emphasize the need to meet the Lord before the distractions and responsibilities of a new day prevent our doing so.

The manna was to be humbly gathered. In order to obtain the manna that fell on the ground, the children of Israel had to go down on their knees. We must approach the Word of God on our knees in utter dependence upon our Lord, in a spirit of prayerfulness and humility.

The unique thing about it is that God matched the supply to every man's daily need. The children of Israel who gathered too much were characterized by disobedience. Failure to obey truth produces the same staleness in our Christian experience.

The only exception to the procedure of gathering manna daily was on the sixth day when the children of Israel had to gather a double portion to eliminate the necessity of gathering on the Sabbath day. We should prepare ourselves in this same fashion for the Lord's Day.

IV. The Assurance of the Manna  (Exodus 16:33)

The assurance of this bread from heaven is evidence of God’s care for His people. While the allowance for each day was completely consumed, the Lord's portion never failed. The manna saved in the golden pot in the Ark of the Covenant speaks of Christ, the living and lasting Bread from heaven. As long as He lives, we have no fear regarding the divine supply.

Conclusion: What an answer the manna was to the emptiness the children of Israel found in the wilderness of sin. Likewise, as we pass through the wilderness of emptiness on our way to heaven, we can be assured of God's miraculous and continuous supply of the bread from heaven.