“And the manna was as coriander seed, and the color thereof as the color of bdellium.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and recounts the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 11, the Israelites are complaining about their diet in the wilderness and expressing their desire for meat instead of the manna that God had been providing.
Manna:In this verse, the focus is on the description of manna, the supernatural food provided by God to sustain the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. The comparison made here is that the appearance of manna was similar to coriander seed in size and bdellium in colour.
Coriander seed:Coriander is an herb with small, round seeds. The comparison suggests that the manna had a similar size to these seeds. This helps us visualise the small and delicate nature of the manna.
Bdellium:The colour comparison in this verse is intriguing. Bdellium is a translucent gum or resin that comes from certain trees. The exact colour of bdellium is uncertain, but it is often described as a whitish, pearly colour. This comparison suggests that the manna had a beautiful and unique appearance.
Symbolism:The description of manna in this verse holds symbolic significance. The manna itself was a miraculous provision from God, demonstrating His faithfulness and care for His people. The comparison to coriander seed and bdellium emphasises the divine nature of the manna and its distinctiveness. It serves as a reminder that God’s provision is not ordinary but extraordinary.
Spiritual Application:As we reflect on this verse, we can draw spiritual lessons from it. The manna is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35). Just as the manna sustained the physical lives of the Israelites, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and sustenance for our souls. He satisfies our deepest needs and desires.
Additionally, the comparison to bdellium’s colour reminds us of the beauty and uniqueness of God’s provision. His blessings are not mundane or ordinary but carry a divine touch. We can trust that God’s provision in our lives is perfect, even if it doesn’t always match our expectations.
In summary, Numbers 11:7 provides a descriptive comparison of the manna the Israelites received in the wilderness. It highlights the delicate size of the manna (like coriander seed) and its beautiful appearance (like bdellium). Through this comparison, we are reminded of God’s miraculous provision and the extraordinary nature of His blessings in our lives.
