Seminary
Lesson 47: Exodus 16—Daily Bread

“Lesson 47: Exodus 16—Daily Bread,” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)

Israelites gathering manna

Exodus 14–18: Lesson 47

Exodus 16

Daily Bread

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

After the Lord delivered His people from Egypt, they encountered new challenges and opportunities for growth. The Israelites could no longer rely on the Egyptians to provide necessities like food and water. They needed to learn to rely on the Lord for their daily needs. This lesson can help you rely on the Lord daily.

Study the Scriptures

rice

What food items have a short shelf life?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught that “great faith has a short shelf life” (“Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 39).

The children of Israel had made covenants that bound them to God. But they showed how easily faith can weaken or even disappear without daily nourishment. After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites “believed the Lord, and his servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31). They sang and danced to praise the Lord for delivering them (see Exodus 15:1–21). However, the Israelites’ praise of the Lord did not last long.

As you study the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, seek inspiration to know what you can start or continue doing to daily increase your faith in Jesus Christ.

mark iconRead Exodus 16:2–4, 11–15. Mark phrases that show how the Lord provided for the Israelites’ needs. Using a different style, mark phrases that show the Israelites’ attitude. Ponder how this attitude might have affected their ability to humbly rely on the Lord.

You might also watch “The Israelites in the Wilderness” (1:08)

1:8

note iconMake a note next to Exodus 16:12 with the following truth: When we rely on the Lord daily, He will bless us with the spiritual nourishment we need.

link iconRead John 6:31–35, 47–51, looking for what Jesus taught about manna. Link the word “manna” in Exodus 16:15 to John 6:47–51.

notebook iconRead the following quote from President Russell M. Nelson, then respond to the questions that follow in your notebook:

President Russell M. Nelson

With frightening speed, a testimony that is not nourished daily “by the good word of God” [Moroni 6:4] can crumble. Thus, the antidote to Satan’s scheme is clear: we need daily experiences worshipping the Lord and studying His gospel. (“The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 99)

  • How is manna similar to Jesus Christ?

  • How is what Jesus offers us infinitely better than manna?

Review both of the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.

Option A

How does manna symbolize our need to rely daily on Jesus Christ?

Israel relied daily on the manna from God to physically live. While covenants can bind us to God, we also need to rely daily on Jesus Christ to spiritually live. Read through the following statements about manna. Refer to Exodus 16:14–31, 35, and determine if the statements are true or false. Check your answers in the verses next to each statement. Ponder what these details teach you about relying on Jesus Christ.

  1. There was enough manna for everyone (see verses 16–18).

  2. The Israelites could store all the manna they wanted (see verses 19–20).

  3. If the manna was not gathered early enough in the day, the sun would melt it (see verse 21).

  4. Manna came every day of the week (see verses 25–27).

  5. Manna tasted like wafers made with honey (see verse 31).

  6. The Lord fed the Israelites manna for 50 years (see verse 35).

If available, watch the video “Daily Bread: Change” (3:00).

3:0

notebook iconRespond to two or more of the following questions in your notebook:

  • How might these details about manna apply to our need for spiritual nourishment?

  • What truths can these details about manna teach you about Jesus Christ?

  • How might knowing these truths affect your relationship with Him?

Option B

How can I rely on Jesus Christ daily?

Bread

notebook iconIn your notebook or on a piece of paper, draw a loaf of bread. Title it, “Daily Bread: Jesus Christ.” Study two or more of the following resources, looking for things you can do every day to receive spiritual nourishment from the Lord. Write or draw what you learn around your drawing of bread.

If available, watch “Daily Bread: Pattern” (2:51).

2:52

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of our need for daily spiritual nourishment from the Lord:

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

We ought not to think that we can go weeks and months without spiritual sustenance and not suffer and not have a deadening influence in our spiritual life. Acknowledging the reality of our need for a daily spiritual administration, or manna, helps us increase in our courage to do the right thing and to serve others more than we would have if we ignored God. (“Daily Bread: Pattern” (video), Gospel Library)

Now What?

notebook iconReflect on one or two things you feel the Lord would have you start doing or do differently to better rely on Him each day. Then answer the following questions in your notebook:

  • What challenges will you need to overcome to make this habit a part of your daily routine? How will you overcome these challenges?

  • How do you think doing this thing every day might affect your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ over time?

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you rely on the Lord daily.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • One way Jesus is like manna and how learning that truth affects your relationship with Him.

  • Your idea and plan to more fully rely on Jesus Christ.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?