Editing Manna (section)

=== Biblical narrative ===
In the [[Hebrew Bible]], manna is described twice: once in [[Book of Exodus|Exodus]] 16:1–36 with the full narrative surrounding it, and once again in [[Book of Numbers|Numbers]] 11:1–9 as a part of a separate narrative. In the description in the Book of Exodus, manna is described as being "a fine, flake-like thing" like the [[Ground frost|frost on the ground]].<ref name="e1614">{{bibleverse||Exodus|16:14|HE}}.</ref> It is described in the Book of Numbers as arriving with the [[dew]] during the night.<ref>{{bibleverse||Numbers|11:9|HE}}.</ref> Exodus adds that it had to be collected before it was melted by the heat of the [[Sun]],<ref>{{bibleverse||Exodus|16:21|HE}}.</ref> and that it was like a [[coriander seed]] in size, but white in colour.<ref name="autogenerated10">{{bibleverse||Exodus|16:31|HE}}.</ref>

Numbers describes it as having the appearance of [[bdellium]],<ref name="autogenerated4">{{bibleverse||Numbers|11:7|HE}} However, commentators such as John Gill prefer to interpret the Hebrew word {{script/Hebrew|בדולח}} ''bəḏōlaḥ'', usually translated "bdellium", as a reference to a white precious stone ([http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/numbers-11-7.html John Gill, Commentary on Numbers 11:7]). Others translate the word as "[[Gum (botany)|gum]] [[resin]]," "[[hoar frost]]," "[[pearl]]" or "[[amber]]." ([https://biblehub.com/numbers/11-7.htm BibleHub])</ref> adding that the [[Israelites]] ground it and pounded it into cakes, which were then baked, resulting in something that tasted like cakes baked with oil.<ref>{{bibleverse||Numbers|11:8|HE}}.</ref> Exodus states that raw manna tasted like wafers that had been made with honey.<ref name=autogenerated10/> The Israelites were instructed to eat only the manna they had gathered for each day. Stored manna "bred worms and stank",<ref name="autogenerated1">{{bibleverse||Exodus|16:20|HE}}.</ref> the exception being that stored the day before the [[Sabbath]] (Preparation Day), when twice the amount of manna was gathered. This manna did not spoil overnight. Exodus 16:23–24 states:<blockquote>This is what the {{LORD}} commanded: "Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the {{LORD}}. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning". So they saved it until morning, as [[Moses]] commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it.<ref>Bible, New International Version.</ref></blockquote>