CHRIST TYPIFIED BY MANNA (2)
Exodus 16:4-36

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The manna which God provided to Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-36) typified Christ (John 6:22-59, especially vv.30-33), "the true bread from heaven" (v.32). We here continue our study of this type-Antitype relationship.

IV. Manna was a gift from God, costing Israel nothing.

Christ is a gift from God – His "indescribable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15). Those who receive Him do so freely, at no cost, apart from any merit or work on their part (Isaiah 55:1f).

V. Manna was given to only Israel. God gave it to only the people He loved and chose to be His own physical nation (as in Deuteronomy 7:6-8). He did not give it to other peoples.

Likewise, Christ is given to only believers. God has given Him to only the people He loved and chose to be His own spiritual nation (as in 1 Peter 2:9f). It is of this people that we read, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). (This "world" of God's elect is the opposite of the "world" of the non-elect in John 17:9.) God does not cast His Pearl before swine, nor give His Holy One to dogs (Matthew 7:6). The Bread of Life is for believers only.

VI. Manna was forbidden to no one. The commandments regarding it were given to "all the congregation of the children of Israel," "the whole congregation of the children of Israel" (Exodus 16:9, 10).

Likewise, Christ is forbidden to no one (John 6:51): "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever."

VII. Manna fell upon the dew and was covered by it until it lifted, at which time the manna was made visible (Numbers 11:9 with Exodus 16:14).

Likewise, Christ is the "hidden manna" made visible in all His fullness to believers (Revelation 2:17). (This is but one of several interpretations of this reference.)

VIII. Manna was provided daily the first six days of every week (Exodus 16:4): "And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not." This test was to see if the Israelites would gather on ordinary days more than was sufficient for that day. To have done so would have been not only an act of disobeying God, but also of mistrusting Him for the next day's provision (see Deuteronomy 8:2f).

Likewise, Christ is provided daily. Therefore, when believers pray "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), a daily provision of the benefits of Christ is included in the petition.

IX. Manna was not provided on the seventh day, which was a sabbath, a day of rest. Provision for bread on the sabbath was made by gathering twice as much manna on the sixth day (Exodus 16:5, 22-30). (This is the first requirement from God to man to observe the sabbath, and the first mention in Scripture of any mortal doing so.)

Likewise, Christ will not be provided once the final sabbath, eternal rest in heaven, has commenced. Only those who partake of Him during their earthly days will enjoy His presence and benefits after the last day.

X. Manna was gathered in an amount sufficient to exactly meet every Israelite's need (Exodus 16:16-18): "Let every man gather it according to each one's need, one omer ["one tenth of an ephah" according to v.36; about five pints] for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent. ..." Every man gathered what he felt satisfied the requirement, then returned to his tent to measure it. Miraculously, those who had gathered too much had nothing in excess, and those who had gathered too little had no lack.

Likewise, Christ is sufficient to meet every believer's need. They all are assured "God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). They all receive "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3ff) including "wisdom ... and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Each is blessed to his capacity. None receives what he does not need. None lacks what he needs.