Numbers 11:7 - The manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium.
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What does "Numbers 11:7" mean?
Numbers 11:7 is describing the appearance of manna, the food miraculously provided to the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down each part of the verse:
"The manna was like coriander seed..." This refers to the shape and perhaps the size of the manna. Coriander seed is small, round, and yellowish-brown. The comparison suggests the manna was similarly shaped and relatively small.
"...and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium." This is the more challenging part to understand. "Bdellium" is a substance that is not definitively identified. Possibilities include:
A type of gum resin: This is the most common interpretation. Bdellium gum resin is a fragrant, translucent, yellowish-brown resin derived from certain trees (e.g., Commiphora wightii). If this is correct, the manna was likely translucent or lustrous with a yellowish or pale appearance.
A pearl or gemstone: Some scholars believe bdellium could refer to a pearl or a semi-precious gemstone. If so, this would emphasize the manna's lustrous or shiny quality.
In essence, the verse describes manna as being small, roundish, perhaps yellowish-brown like coriander seed, and having a translucent, lustrous, or shiny appearance similar to bdellium (likely a gum resin).
Significance:
Description, not literal equivalence: The verse is using comparisons to help people understand what the manna looked like. It doesn't mean the manna was coriander seed or bdellium, only that it shared similar visual characteristics.
Divine Provision: The description highlights the miraculous nature of the manna. It was a special, unique food provided by God, not something naturally occurring that they would have been familiar with. The reference to bdellium, a valuable and potentially rare substance, might suggest the preciousness of this divine gift.
Memory aid: Descriptions, especially using familiar imagery, help people remember and pass down information through generations.
Contrast to the people's discontent (Context of Numbers 11): It's important to remember the context of this verse within Numbers 11. The Israelites were complaining about the manna, longing for the variety and flavors of Egypt. Describing the manna's appearance, while seemingly innocuous, is part of the narrative setting the stage for God's response to their grumbling and ingratitude. They were blessed with a miraculous provision, yet they craved more, showing a lack of faith and appreciation.
Numbers 11:7 - The manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium.
What does "Numbers 11:7" mean?
Numbers 11:7 is describing the appearance of manna, the food miraculously provided to the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down each part of the verse:
"The manna was like coriander seed..." This refers to the shape and perhaps the size of the manna. Coriander seed is small, round, and yellowish-brown. The comparison suggests the manna was similarly shaped and relatively small.
"...and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium." This is the more challenging part to understand. "Bdellium" is a substance that is not definitively identified. Possibilities include:
A type of gum resin: This is the most common interpretation. Bdellium gum resin is a fragrant, translucent, yellowish-brown resin derived from certain trees (e.g., Commiphora wightii). If this is correct, the manna was likely translucent or lustrous with a yellowish or pale appearance.
A pearl or gemstone: Some scholars believe bdellium could refer to a pearl or a semi-precious gemstone. If so, this would emphasize the manna's lustrous or shiny quality.
In essence, the verse describes manna as being small, roundish, perhaps yellowish-brown like coriander seed, and having a translucent, lustrous, or shiny appearance similar to bdellium (likely a gum resin).
Significance:
Description, not literal equivalence: The verse is using comparisons to help people understand what the manna looked like. It doesn't mean the manna was coriander seed or bdellium, only that it shared similar visual characteristics.
Divine Provision: The description highlights the miraculous nature of the manna. It was a special, unique food provided by God, not something naturally occurring that they would have been familiar with. The reference to bdellium, a valuable and potentially rare substance, might suggest the preciousness of this divine gift.
Memory aid: Descriptions, especially using familiar imagery, help people remember and pass down information through generations.
Contrast to the people's discontent (Context of Numbers 11): It's important to remember the context of this verse within Numbers 11. The Israelites were complaining about the manna, longing for the variety and flavors of Egypt. Describing the manna's appearance, while seemingly innocuous, is part of the narrative setting the stage for God's response to their grumbling and ingratitude. They were blessed with a miraculous provision, yet they craved more, showing a lack of faith and appreciation.