A fascinating aspect of the angelic realm is that angels, including archangels, eat and drink much as humans do. Manna is the Hebrew name for the food consumed by angels. Its literal translation poses an odd question: “What is this?” While the precise nature of manna remains a mystery, it is commonly described as a rich, earthy, bread-like substance. According to Scripture, this same food was also given by God to humans. Ravens fed the prophet Elijah manna during the forty days he spent in the desert.
Manna receives only a limited description in the Old Testament Book of Exodus. We do not know how it tasted or what nutritional properties it possessed. All that is revealed, according to the Bible, is that it was sufficient to sustain mortals as their sole source of nourishment.
As the children of Israel wandered through the wilderness on their arduous journey to the Promised Land, they murmured complaints to Moses and his brother Aaron. They argued that they would have been better off remaining in Egypt as oppressed slaves, recalling that at least they had abundant bread. By comparison, the wilderness offered only scarcity, hardship, and the threat of starvation.
After hearing their relentless complaints, God promised Moses that He would rain down bread from heaven to feed the entire congregation. That promise was fulfilled when quail covered the camp one evening. By morning, a fine, flake-like substance appeared on the ground, white like coriander seed and resembling frost. It had to be gathered quickly before melting in the sun.
The Israelites ground the manna into flour and baked it into cakes. Exodus describes its taste as similar to wafers made with honey. Moses instructed the people to gather only enough for each day, warning that leftovers would rot and breed worms. Only on the day before the Sabbath were they permitted to collect twice as much, as the extra manna would not spoil overnight. In this way, the Sabbath was kept holy.
Though manna has not appeared on earth since Old Testament times, its supply in heaven is said to be inexhaustible. It remains the sustaining food of angels, providing the strength necessary to carry out God’s divine will.