Exodus 16:35

The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land where they could settle; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.

Study Bible

The Israelites ate manna forty years
The provision of manna was a miraculous event that sustained the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This period of forty years represents a time of testing and reliance on God's provision. The number forty is significant in the Bible, often associated with periods of trial and preparation, such as the forty days of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12) and Jesus' forty days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). Manna symbolizes God's faithfulness and the necessity of spiritual sustenance, foreshadowing Jesus as the "bread of life" (John 6:31-35).

until they came to a land where they could settle
This phrase indicates the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settling in the Promised Land. The land where they could settle refers to Canaan, a land promised to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). This transition marks the fulfillment of God's promise and the end of their dependence on manna, as they would now rely on the produce of the land. It signifies a new chapter in Israel's history, moving from divine provision in the wilderness to a life of abundance in the land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8).

they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan
The cessation of manna at the border of Canaan underscores the completion of God's promise to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land. This event is recorded in Joshua 5:12, where the manna stopped the day after they ate the produce of the land. The border of Canaan represents the threshold of a new beginning, where the Israelites would transition from a miraculous provision to a natural one, relying on the land's resources. This shift also highlights the importance of faith and obedience as they prepared to conquer and inhabit the land God had given them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

2. Manna
A miraculous food provided by God to sustain the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. The term "manna" comes from the Hebrew word (man), which means "What is it?" as the Israelites initially did not know what it was.

3. Forty Years
The period during which the Israelites wandered in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith, as a generation passed away before entering the Promised Land.

4. The Wilderness
The desert region where the Israelites traveled after leaving Egypt, characterized by its harsh conditions and lack of natural resources.

5. Canaan
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, representing a place of rest and fulfillment of God's promises.

Teaching Points

God's Provision
God is faithful to provide for His people, even in the most challenging circumstances. Just as He provided manna daily, He meets our needs according to His riches in glory.

Dependence on God
The Israelites' reliance on manna teaches us to depend on God for our daily needs and spiritual nourishment. We are reminded to seek His kingdom first, trusting that He will provide.

Obedience and Faith
The 40-year journey underscores the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises. Disobedience can delay the fulfillment of God's plans in our lives.

Spiritual Sustenance
Just as manna sustained the Israelites physically, Jesus, the bread of life, sustains us spiritually. We are called to feed on His word and presence daily.

Journey to the Promised Land
Our Christian walk is a journey toward the ultimate Promised Land—eternal life with God. We are encouraged to persevere in faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision of manna in the wilderness demonstrate God's faithfulness and care for His people?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of daily dependence on God in our modern lives?

3. How does the concept of manna as a daily provision relate to Jesus' teaching in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread"?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to exercise greater faith and obedience to God's promises?

5. How can the Israelites' journey to Canaan inspire us in our spiritual journey toward eternal life with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 8:3
This verse highlights that God provided manna to teach the Israelites that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord, emphasizing reliance on God.

John 6:31-35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel between the manna provided in the wilderness and His provision of spiritual sustenance.

Numbers 14:33-34
This passage explains the reason for the 40-year journey, as a consequence of the Israelites' lack of faith and rebellion against God's command to enter Canaan.