Exodus 16 (Manna in the Desert)

In Exodus 16, we find the Hebrews escaping out of Egypt with Moses leading them forth. Chapter 14 records their Red Sea crossing, and in our text, they are heading toward Mt. Sinai. On their journey, the people run out of food and they complain (they are going to continue to complain for the next 40 years!).

On the face of it, it looks like the miracle of manna was a direct result of their complaining. But seeing how the manna was going to be given daily for the next 40 years, it is safe to assume that the giving of manna to them was a part of God's plan all along. The question before us is "what's the purpose of the manna?"

First of all, "what is it?" That's what manna means -- "What is it?" According to our text, it's a "fine flaky substance" (v.14), "like a coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey" (v.31). It is referred to as a "bread from heaven" (v.4) as contrasted with quails that are called "meat" (v.12). And so it was like fine flour and the Hebrews will make different types of bread and cake, biscuits and cookies with it.

Secondly, God gives the Hebrews a clear direction on how to go about getting them. This "bread from heaven" will fall from the sky in the early mornings and by the time the sun rises, the dried ground will be covered with it readied to be gathered by the people. Each person is to gather only an omer per person (omer is a tenth of ephah and ephah is about 22 liters. That makes omer about 2.2 liters or about 1/2 gallon -- a milk carton). That means that a family of five will gather 5 omers. That's it. If anyone gathers more than that, the leftover spoiled and rotted.

What is the purpose of the manna from heaven?

1) "In the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord" (v.7) declares Moses and Aaron. That's what manna was to be -- a revelation of God's glory or presence. Up to this point, God was known as the Protector and Savior of his people. He saved them from the hands of the cruel Egyptians, and he continued to Protect them through the pillars of cloud by day and of fire by night. During the days when the desert heat beat down upon the people the cloud covered them, and cold desert air of the night was softened by the pillar of fire in their midst. Now, God wanted to show them that He is also their Provider and Sustainer. He would feed them and care for their needs. And they will know this every morning when they rise up and look outside and see the provisions of God.

In truth, manna became routine for them. Rather than thanking God for his consistency and blessing, they complained that the menu was always the same. God's glory revealed became ho hum for them. But before we point fingers at them, it's reflective of us as well. Every morning is a blessing of God and each new day, a chance for us to enjoy God's provisions. But we too are full of complaints. We are no better -- but it is easy to the speck on someone else's eye, isn't it?

2) Omer to each person. In this, God shows no distinction between individuals. Men don't get more than women, and the older don't get more than the younger. A baby and a large man receives the same amount. Our God is consistent with his love and he makes no distinction between individuals. Praise God! We see that our social structure and valuing of individuals by their sex, talent, money, power, color of one's skin, nationality are a product of our invention and sinfulness, and not a method God uses -- he sees us individually and each one is special in his eyes, worthy of his care and provisions. Amen.

3) But omer of manna cannot satisfy a large man, but it's too much for a little baby. Some need more and some will have leftovers. But that's the point! Our God is promoting communal sharing. Those that don't need as much ought to give to those who need more. This can be done within the community and that promotes love and bonding. Sharing and looking out for the interest of others. That's so....Christian!

Mongolia 2007. Concluding the missions trip with Lord's Supper

4) Jesus will call himself the "Bread from Heaven." He is the new manna -- through consuming him, we are fully satisfied (physically & spiritually), and rather than going out daily to gather it, once eaten, we are full once and for all. But some of the principles of manna still apply -- we are to recognize God as the provider of all things, and we are to go forth and share this manna with others.