Natural manna is the juice of the tarfa, a kind
of tamarisk, and is chiefly found in Arabia. It is gathered
from the leaves or twigs.
The supernatural manna described in Exodus was
of an entirely different nature, and the evidence of its supernatural
character are as follows: (1) it was found, not under the tamarisk
tree, but on the surface of the ground in the wilderness, after
the morning dew had disappeared; (2) it was found, throughout
the forty years of Israel’s journeyings, not during certain
months in the year, but all the year round; (3) it ceased on
the Sabbath day; (4) the amount gathered on one day was greater
than the natural amount produced per annum; (5) it could be
ground and baked like meal; (6) it was not a mere juicy condiment,
but was nutritious as bread; (7) a portion was kept in perpetuity
in the ark. In this connection it may be noted that a probable
derivation of the word is from Israel’s question one to
another, “(man hu) What is this? For they knew not what
it was (Exodus 16:5).
Everything about it is evidential of divine
interposition and provision. For (a) there was no natural way
of sustaining the nation in the wilderness; (b) God had divine
purpose in maintaining His people in that manner, as it was
through them that He would and will exercise His governmental
authority and provide salvation for men; (c) there were spiritual
facts analogical to natural conditions.
For the description of it see Numbers 11:7-9.
For allusion to it see Exodus 16:14-36; Deuteronomy 8:3-16;
Joshua 5:12, Psalms 78:24, 25; John 6:31-50; 1 Corinthians 10:3
Certain spiritual lessons have been deduced
from it: (1) It was given freely: so with the Gospel and God’s
gift, apart from works. (2) Each person was to gather according
to his eating: so in regard to the need of believers, there
is to be equality (2 Corinthians 8:14,15) an avoidance of mere
luxury when others are in want. (3) It fell from above: so Christ,
the gift of God came from God the Father, and is spiritually
ministered day by day. (4) It was gathered early: so the believer
should receive his spiritual food before the rush of daily circumstances
begins. (5) It was ground in the mill: so Christ was bruised
to become our Bread of Life. (6) It was sweet to the taste:
so is God’s Word to the believer. (7) It was to be gathered
day by day: so the believer needs fresh supplies of spiritual
food daily. (8) To the carnal “it was dry” food:
so is the Gospel to the worldling. (9) A part was preserved
in the golden pot of the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:4); compare
Exodus 16:33): so Jesus, now in the presence of God, provides
hidden manna (Revelation 2:17), unappreciated by the unbeliever.
(10) It continued throughout the wilderness journey: so Christ
continues with His people to the end of their course. (11) It
ceased when they reached the land: so faith will give place
to sight when the Lord brings His people to His eternal rest.
