Exodus 16: 20 by John Newton (1779)
The work presents an allegorical reflection on the biblical account of daily divine provision, emphasizing that spiritual nourishment, like manna, must be received anew each day rather than stockpiled. The text relates the experience of gathering a substance that sustains life for that day but cannot be hoarded, as any attempt to save it causes decay and contamination. This decay symbolizes the spiritual consequence of relying on outdated or stored truths instead of engaging in fresh, ongoing faith. The work contrasts the temporary satisfaction of material or static knowledge with the dynamic, ever-renewing sustenance provided through active trust and prayer. It warns that intellectual pride and self-sufficiency can lead to spiritual decay, much like hoarded manna that soon breeds worms and loses its life-giving properties. The poem thus advocates for continual reliance on divine provision, illustrating that true spiritual nourishment must be sought and received daily. It underscores the importance of prayer as a means to obtain the necessary "manna" that feeds both body and soul, ensuring that one remains open to continual renewal and life through faith.
By John Newton · First published 1779 · Genre: Religious, Poetry, Inspirational · 273 words
First lines
I: The manna, favour'd Israel's meat, Was gather'd day by day; When all the host was served, the heat Melted the rest away.
II: In vain to hoard it up they tried Against to-morrow came; It then bred worms and putrified, And proved their sin and shame.
III: 'Twas daily bread, and would not keep, But must be still renewed; Faith should not want a hoard or heap, But trust the Lord for food.
IV: The truths by which the soul is fed Must thus be had afresh; For notions resting in the head Will only feed the flesh:
What this Textopian page supports
Exodus 16: 20 is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Newton, dated 1779 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Newton
- Date: 1779 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious, Poetry, Inspirational, Didactic
- Length: 273 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Exodus 16: 20 by John Newton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Exodus 16: 20?
- How does this poem by John Newton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Religious — The work draws directly from biblical narrative and theology, addressing themes of divine provision and faith.
- Poetry — The text is structured as verse with rhythmic and lyrical qualities that characterize poetic form.
- Inspirational — The work motivates readers to trust in divine providence and renew their spiritual commitment, offering a message of hope.
- Didactic — The text serves as a moral lesson, cautioning against material hoarding and emphasizing continual spiritual reliance.
Tags
biblical narrative · scripture · divine providence · faith journey · redemption · wilderness survival · miracle · spiritual insight · religious symbolism · exodus theme · miraculous provision · ancient text