Psalms Chapter 78 · Verse 24
And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מָ֣ן
manna
H4478
מָ֣ן
manna
Strong's:
H4478
Word #:
3 of 8
literally a whatness (so to speak), i.e., manna (so called from the question about it)
שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם
of heaven
H8064
שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
6 of 8
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
Cross References
Exodus 16:4Then 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.Psalms 105:40The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.Exodus 16:14And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
Historical Context
Manna appeared six days weekly (none on Sabbath) throughout the wilderness wandering. Exodus 16:31 describes it as 'white like coriander seed' with honey-like taste. A golden pot of manna was preserved in the Ark of the Covenant (Hebrews 9:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does receiving Christ as 'living bread' differ from merely consuming religious ritual?
- What daily 'manna' does God provide that you're tempted to despise like Israel did?
Analysis & Commentary
And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven—mān (manna) means 'What is it?' (Exodus 16:15), reflecting Israel's bewilderment at this unprecedented food. Calling it 'corn [grain] of heaven' (dĕgan-šāmayim) emphasizes its supernatural origin—heaven's agriculture producing earth's sustenance.
Jesus declared: 'I am the bread of life' (John 6:35), explicitly superseding manna: 'Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died... I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever' (John 6:49-51). Manna sustained physical life temporarily; Christ sustains spiritual life eternally. The Eucharist replaces wilderness bread.