Manna from Heaven
God rained bread from heaven to feed Israel daily for forty years in the wilderness.
In the wilderness of Sin, Israel murmured for food. The Lord rained down small round flakes each morning — manna — for them to gather, with a double portion on the sixth day so they could rest on the Sabbath. This bread from heaven fed them for forty years until they entered the promised land.
God (through Moses)
The wilderness between Egypt and Canaan
What Happened
- 1Israel murmured against Moses for lack of bread
- 2The Lord promised to rain bread from heaven
- 3Each morning manna covered the ground like dew
- 4Each family gathered an omer per person; a double portion on the sixth day
- 5Manna continued forty years until Israel ate the produce of Canaan
Key KJV Scriptures
"Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."
"And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan."
Spiritual Significance
Jesus pointed to the manna as a picture of Himself: 'I am the bread of life… the bread which cometh down from heaven' (John 6:48–51). What sustained Israel physically pointed to the Christ who sustains us eternally.
Lesson for Today
God provides daily, not always in advance. Trust Him for today's bread, and rest in His provision for tomorrow.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What was manna in the Bible?
Manna was a small, round, white substance like coriander seed that tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). It appeared with the dew each morning in the wilderness.
How long did the manna last?
Manna fell every morning except the Sabbath for forty years, until Israel entered Canaan and ate the produce of the land (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12).
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Manna from Heaven?
The miracle of Manna from Heaven is recorded in Exodus 16:4 (KJV), with additional references in Exodus 16:35.
Who performed the miracle of Manna from Heaven?
Scripture records that God (through Moses) carried out this miracle at The wilderness between Egypt and Canaan. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Parting of the Red Sea
Moses stretches out his hand and the Lord divides the sea so Israel walks across on dry ground.
Water from the Rock
Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.
Feeding the Five Thousand
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed a crowd of more than five thousand.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreMichael the Archangel
Michael is the archangel and warrior prince who stands for God's people and contends with Satan himself.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Aaron Quiz
Moses' brother, spokesman, and Israel's first high priest.
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Manna & Quail Bible Quiz
God's provision in the wilderness — bread from heaven and meat in abundance.
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Moses Quiz
From the bulrushes to Mount Nebo — the life of God's deliverer.
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Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Manna from Heaven
God rained bread from heaven to feed Israel daily for forty years in the wildern
Water from the Rock
Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.
Manna & Quail Bible Quiz
God's provision in the wilderness — bread from heaven and meat in abundance.
Are People Married in Heaven?
Heaven & Afterlife
Aaron in the Bible
The First High Priest
Manna (מָן (Man))
The miraculous bread from heaven that sustained Israel in the wilderness