December 13

The golden pot that had manna.—Heb. ix. 4.

IN order that the Israelites might not forget how God had fed them in the wilderness, it was appointed that a quantity of the manna, perhaps an omer, should be laid up and preserved as a memorial to future generations. To this the apostle therefore refers, in describing the ark and its furniture in the holiest of all, "wherein," says he, "was the golden pot that had manna." In this Jesus was very beautifully typified and set forth, for he reminds us, that he is the true bread of life sent down from heaven. The history of the manna is given in Exodus xvi., from the 11th verse. Let us notice, then, some of the more interesting points of resemblance between the manna and Christ. The name manna signifies to prepare or appoint, doubtless referring to God preparing in the desert, a table for his people. Now Jesus is particularly described as the prepared, the chosen, and the appointed of the Father. The source of the manna, was heaven. God sent it from above. Jesus, too, came from heaven. He had dwelt from eternal ages in the bosom of the Father, and descended from thence, that he might be the bread of life to a dying world. The manna was small in appearance, as small as the hoar frost Jesus appeared as a root out of a dry ground. He made himself of no reputation, but took on him the form of a servant, was born in poverty, a man of sorrows and acquainted with griefs. The form of the manna was round, denoting the perfection and eternity of Christ. The colour was white, thus exhibiting the purity of his nature, and the holiness of his life. The taste of manna was exceedingly sweet, like wafers made of fine honey. How transcendently sweet and precious is every thing associated with the blessed Redeemer.—

" All our capacious powers can wish, In him most richly meet, Nor to our eyes is light so dear Or friendship half so sweet."