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MANNA.—The food of the Israelites during the wanderings (Exo_16:1, Jos_5:12), but not the only food available. Documents of various dates speak of (a) cattle (Exo_17:3; Exo_19:13; Exo_34:3, Num_7:3; Num_7:6 f.), especially in connexion with sacrifice (Exo_24:5; Exo_32:8, Lev_8:2; Lev_8:25; Lev_8:31; Lev_9:4; Lev_10:14, Num_7:15 ff.); (b) flour (Num_7:13; Num_7:19; Num_7:25 etc., Lev_10:12; Lev_24:5); (c) food in general (Deu_2:3, Jos_1:11).
1. The origin of the word is uncertain. In Exo_16:13 the exclamation might be rendered, ‘It is mân!’ (note RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ). If so, the Israelites were reminded (but only vaguely, see Exo_16:15) of some known substance. The similar Arabic word means ‘gift.’ More probably the words are a question—‘What is it?’ Unaware of the proper term, they thus spoke of manna as ‘the-what-is-it.’
2. The manna was flaky, small, and white (Exo_16:14; Exo_16:31). It resembled the ‘seed’ (better ‘fruit’) of the coriander plant (Exo_16:31, Num_11:7), and suggested bdellium (Num_11:7 [see § 3]). It could be ground, and was stewed or baked (Exo_16:23, Num_11:8). The taste is compared to that of honey-wafers (Exo_16:31), or oil (Num_11:8), it was gathered fresh every morning early (but see § 4), for, if exposed to the sun, it melted (Exo_16:21; cf. Wis_19:2); if kept overnight (see § 4), it went had (Exo_16:19 f.). Each person was entitled to a measured ’omer of manna (Exo_16:19).
3. Many would identify manna with the juice of certain trees. The flowering ash (S. Europe) exudes a ‘manna’ (used in medicine); and a species of tamarisk found in the Sinai peninsula yields a substance containing sugar. The description of manna would not in every point support such an identification, but it is worth noting that manna is likened (see § 2) to bdellium, which is a resinous exudation. A more recent theory is that manna was an edible lichen like that found in Arabia, etc.
4. Manna would thus come under the category of ‘special providences,’ not ‘miracles.’ There can, however, be no doubt that the Biblical writers regarded it as miraculous. (a) There is enough for a host of ‘600,000 footmen.’ (b) The quantity gathered proves exactly suited to the consumer’s appetite (Exo_16:18). (c) The Sabbath supply (gathered the previous day) retains its freshness (Exo_16:23 f.). (d) An ‘omer of it is kept as a sacred object near (Exo_16:33 f.) but not within (1Ki_8:9; ct. [Note: t. contrast.] Heb_9:4, Rev_2:17) the ark. (e) Allusions to it suggest the supernatural (Neh_9:20, Psa_78:24 f., Psa_105:40, 2Es_1:19, Wis_16:20; Wis_19:21).
5. All this must lend significance to NT mention. Christ as the living bread is typified by manna (Joh_6:31 ff., 1Co_10:3; 1Co_4:1-21); and secret spiritual sustenance is the reward for ‘him that overcometh’ (Rev_2:17).
H. F. B. Compston.