There is much more to the story of the Hebrews escaping from Egypt by the hand of God. It is pretty much common knowledge that God caused plagues to come upon the Egyptians until they released their prisoners. As the final plague, an Angel killed the first born of the Egyptians. God then ordered that the first born of every Hebrew family and animal be sanctified unto him. In chapter 13 the month of Abib was recognized as the time they left Egypt which is the March/April timeframe.
This text in verse 4 uses the Canaanite name of the month instead of the Hebrew name. That evening God instructed them to establish the Passover as recognition of the salvation he brought to his people. In verse 17 we’re told that God instructed them to go by way of the Red Sea for their journey. He did this because when it came time for them to engage in war, they would not have second thoughts and seek to return to Egypt. He stayed there with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The Scripture says that there were 600,000 men plus an unknown number of family members.
Many times, in their 40 year journey they complained against Moses, Aaron, and even God himself. They compared the hardship of their journey to what they thought was a better life back in Egypt though they were abused as slaves. Isn’t that like human nature to recall a better time when in fact it was not. Their first complaint was of being at the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army closing in behind. Their second complaint was the lack of water to drink. God instructed Moses to throw a tree into bitter waters and it became sweet. God promised them on the condition of their obedience that he would not put the diseases on them that he brought on the Egyptians.
Their third complaint is recorded in chapter 16 and is the central attention we wish to focus about manna. They murmured once again that they had nothing to eat. How amazing it is that their faith was so shallow. How amazing still, it is that there are times when our faith is likewise shallow. In the evening God sent quail for them to eat. In the morning he sent manna. However, it came with conditions. Each day they were to gather enough for themselves to eat that one day; except on Friday when they were together twice as much so they would not have to break the Sabbath by gathering.
The manna was like coriander seed. It was white and tasted like wafers made with honey. Coriander seed is still for sale today if you wish to taste it. A pot of manna was kept in the ark of the covenant along with the tablets of the 10 commandments and Aaron’s rod that budded. The word manna means “what is it.” They also called it “whatness or whatdyacallit.” If it was left overnight uneaten, it bred worms and became foul. It could melt in the hot sun which meant the people had to gather it immediately on sunrise. It could be ground and baked. Unfortunately for them, they came to dislike it. (Numbers 21:5)
This is the history of the early days of their travels. It is also a reflection of Christ as he Bread of Life. (John 31:30-35) The Overcomer is promised the hidden manna in Revelation 2:17. It is so remarkable how the Bible compliments itself from the Old Testament to the New Testament. When we look at the story of the slaves who escaped from Egypt, we can see ourselves being saved from the world. We also can be reminded of how God will sustain us all through our life if we are faithful to him. Just as the Hebrews hungered for food and had thirst so was the discussion that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman who led the city residents out to Jesus so they might hear him and believe. In every generation the honest man will admit to a deep-seated hunger and thirst outside the world and away from himself that only Jesus can provide. The question is always who will be willing to receive Christ.commandments and Aaron’s rod that budded. The word manna means “what is it.” They also called it “whatness or whatdyacallit.” If it was left overnight uneaten, it bred worms and became foul. It could melt in the hot sun which meant the people had to gather it immediately on sunrise. It could be ground and baked. Unfortunately for them, they came to dislike it. (Numbers 21:5)
This is the history of the early days of their travels. It is also a reflection of Christ as he Bread of Life. (John 31:30-35) The Overcomer is promised the hidden manna in Revelation 2:17. It is so remarkable how the Bible compliments itself from the Old Testament to the New Testament. When we look at the story of the slaves who escaped from Egypt, we can see ourselves being saved from the world. We also can be reminded of how God will sustain us all through our life if we are faithful to him. Just as the Hebrews hungered for food and had thirst so was the discussion that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman who led the city residents out to Jesus so they might hear him and believe. In every generation the honest man will admit to a deep-seated hunger and thirst outside the world and away from himself that only Jesus can provide. The question is always who will be willing to receive Christ.
