“And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.”
This verse comes from the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament. To understand its significance, we need to explore the context in which it appears.
The Israelites, led by Joshua, had crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land of Canaan after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. At this point, they had just celebrated the Passover and were preparing for the conquest of Jericho. In Joshua 5:10, it is mentioned that the Israelites observed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at Gilgal.
In Joshua 5:12, we learn that the day after the Israelites had eaten the produce of the land of Canaan, the manna, which had sustained them throughout their wilderness journey, ceased. For forty years, God had provided manna, a miraculous bread-like substance, to feed the Israelites in the desert. The cessation of the manna indicated a significant shift in their provision and marked the beginning of a new phase in their journey.
This verse highlights a couple of key points:
- Fulfillment of the Promise: The cessation of the manna symbolized the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the Israelites into the land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). The provision of the land’s produce instead of manna demonstrated that God had indeed brought them into the Promised Land.
- Dependency on God: Throughout their time in the wilderness, the Israelites had relied solely on God’s daily provision of manna for sustenance. By ending the manna, God was challenging them to trust in Him and depend on the resources of the land. It was a transition from a state of total dependency on God’s miraculous provision to a state where they would have to work the land and rely on its natural abundance.
- The Connection between Physical and Spiritual: The physical provision of food was intimately linked to the spiritual journey of the Israelites. The manna, while nourishing their bodies, also served as a reminder of their dependence on God and their need for obedience and faith. The cessation of the manna marked a new phase in their relationship with God as they stepped into a land filled with blessings but also challenges.
Overall, Joshua 5:12 signifies a turning point in the Israelites’ journey, where they transitioned from God’s supernatural provision of manna to partaking in the natural abundance of the land. It teaches us about God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of trusting Him in times of transition, and the connection between our physical provision and our spiritual walk with God.
