A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 22. Of Manna.

THe third holy type here mentioned to be in the most holy place is thus set down, the golden pot which had Manna. Two things are here expressed.

• 1. The type it self.
• 2. The vessel wherein it was preserved.

This is the more distinctly recorded, and the more carefully to be observed, be∣cause* 1.1 it was not only a type which prefigured a truth to come: but also a Sacra∣ment to seal up Gods promise of Christ unto them. For Manna was to the Jewes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the bread of the Lords Supper is to us; of it •…•…aith the Apostle, they did all eat the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spirituall mea•…•…. Manna was to the Jewes spirituall meat: and the same spiritu∣all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which we Christians eat, that is Christ himself, his body, 1 Cor. 10. 3.

The history of Manna is distinctly set down in the 16. Chapter of Exodus, We will consider it.

• 1. In generall with reference to the main truth.
• 2. In the particular circumstances whereby the resemblance betwixt the type and truth will more cleerly be manifested.

As other types, so this typified Christ. For as the rock, whereof the Israelites drank, was Christ: So was Manna. The hidden Manna, which hath reference to this Manna, sets out Christ, Rev. 2. 17.

Christ is to the souls of believers as Manna was to the bodies of the Israelites. I* 1.2 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the living bread (saith Christ) which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will gi•…•…e for the life of the world, Joh. 6. 51.

This teacheth us to hunger after Christ, that is, earnestly to desire him; & to eat of his flesh, that is, to believe on him made man: for this end we must frequently and seriously meditate on this heavenly Manna: and on the necessity and excellency thereof. Our bodies do not more need food, then our souls need Christ: nor can corp•…•…rall food do such good to our bodies, as Christ to our souls. The Israeli•…•…es were exceedingly troubled when they wanted bread, Exod. 16. 3.

By this type let us bring our hearts more to desire Christ, so shall we make good use of him.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Manna a type and a Sacra∣ment.
• * 1.2

  Manna sets out Christs spirituall food.