Exodus 16:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Were the Jewish people not recipients of divine favor? Was the entirety of creation not poised to assist them? Did their manner of living not stand out as unique and remarkable? They did not engage in commerce, instead utilizing their provisions without the expenditure of silver; they did not plow the land, sow seeds, nor rely on rainfall, winds, seasons, sunlight, moonlight, air, or any similar elements. They had no need for a threshing floor, nor did they need to separate grain from chaff, operate millstones, construct drying areas, gather wood or kindle fires, or possess the art of baking bread. They lacked the need for a treadle, to sharpen sickles, or to engage in any crafts such as weaving, building, or shoemaking, for the Word of God supplied all their needs. Their meals were prepared without toil, reflecting the nature of the manna; it was perpetually fresh and new, requiring no effort to obtain and bringing no fatigue from labor.

The servant of the Lord replied, “This is the bread that God has provided for you to consume. Consider this bread; it represents the word that God has ordained. Such is God's sustenance: this nourishment revitalizes the spirit of the discerning individual, illuminating and softening, radiating with the light of truth, and bringing joy akin to honeycomb, filled with the sweetness of diverse virtues and the wisdom of His word. Indeed, pleasant discussions are like honey from a honeycomb, as noted in Proverbs (Proverbs 16:24).

Why is it referred to as manna? When the Israelites first encountered it, they questioned each other, asking, "What is this?" This inquiry was transformed into a name, as the term ‘manna’ translates to “What is it?” The narrative supports this notion, as it states, "When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, 'What is this?' They did not know what it was." Hence, their question became the name.

It has been previously stated that the heavenly bread cannot be equated with the tamarind extract now referred to as manna. The manna bestowed by the Lord was versatile; it could be transformed into flour and could be 'ground, pounded, boiled, made into cakes' (Num. 11:8). The Hebrew term mann, which also appears in Arabic, signifies a gift or offering.