Biblical Significance of the Month of Iyar (5786)

Some principal events recorded in the month of Iyar include the following:

1. The census of the people of Israel began under Moses (Num. 1:1-2:18).

2. Solomon began the construction of the First Temple (2 Chron. 3:2).

3. According to Jewish tradition, Eli the high priest died (cf. 1 Sam. 4:1-18).

4. The Israelites arrived in the Wilderness of Sin (Exod. 16:1).

5. The institution of Pesach Sheni-the Second Passover (Num. 9:6-14).

6. The manna began to fall (Exod. 16).

7. Israel arrived at Rephidim (Exod. 17:1; cf. Seder Olam Rabbah 5).

8. According to Jewish tradition, the prophet Samuel died (cf. 1 Sam. 25:1; timing traditionally associated with Iyar).

9. The battle against Amalek took place (Exod. 17:8-16).

10. In modern history, the State of Israel was established in Iyar (14 May 1948 / 5 Iyar 5708).

While Iyar does not record a single dramatic covenantal breakthrough like Passover (Nisan) or Shavuot (Sivan), it is filled with events that initiated long transitional processes - processes that shaped Israel for generations: the building of the Temple, the loss of national leaders, prolonged wilderness wanderings, and even the rebirth of the modern State of Israel.

Many of these events are not “spectacular” but rather administrative in nature like the counting of the people. They required endurance rather than excitement. Even the battle against Amalek was not a one-time victory; it was declared a struggle “from generation to generation” (Exod. 17:16).

Iyar: The Month of Endurance

Iyar reminds us that while God often initiates new things with power, bringing those things to completion requires faithfulness, patience, obedience, and submission.

The first giving of the manna, the bread from heaven, is a powerful illustration of this truth.

At first, manna was extraordinary - supernatural provision raining daily from heaven. But over time, what began as a miracle became routine. What was once exciting became monotonous. What was once received with gratitude eventually tested Israel’s patience and revealed the condition of their hearts.

Exodus 16:4 (ESV)

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.’”

The manna was not only provision; it was a test.

Numbers 11:4-6 (ESV)

“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! … But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’”

What sustained Israel physically began to weary them emotionally and spiritually.

The Deeper Purpose of Manna

Moses later explains God’s intention behind this daily provision:

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (ESV)

“And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart… And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna… that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

The manna provided physical nourishment for a vast multitude to survive the desert. But spiritually, its unchanging routine was designed to shape character. Rising every day early to collect it before the sun melted it, eating the same food day after day for forty years, and trusting God for daily provision forced Israel to confront issues of trust, gratitude, endurance and obedience.

Many failed that test. Complaining turned into rebellion - against God and against the leadership He had appointed.

Manna and the Making of Pearls

Scripture describes the manna as:

Numbers 11:7 (ESV)

“Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium.”

Drawing on Jewish interpretive tradition, Rashi connects the description of manna’s appearance to bdellium, which he associates with pearls or mother-of-pearl. Pearls are formed when an irritating foreign particle, such as a grain of sand, enters a soft oyster. Over time - often months or years - the oyster coats the irritation layer upon layer, until something beautiful emerges.

The daily manna was like that grain of sand.

It irritated Israel’s desire for novelty, control, and abundance. But when received in faithfulness, it had the potential to produce something precious: humility, perseverance, and dependence on God.

Iyar and Us

Iyar thus speaks powerfully to seasons of transition - times when God has already started something, but the fulfillment still lies ahead.

It teaches us that faithfulness is not found only in moments of spiritual excitement, emotional highs, or extraordinary encounters. It is found in:

• Obedience without applause

• Worship without stirring emotion

• Daily discipline in the Word of God

• Trusting God for “today’s portion”

As Charles Spurgeon once said, “We are leaky vessels and must be filled every day.”

The manna - the Word of God received daily - is what sustains us after years and even decades of serving the Lord.

In a world saturated with constant stimulation and instant gratification, Iyar calls us back to the quiet faithfulness of daily dependence. It is this routine obedience, this steady intake of heavenly bread, that forms pearls of godly character - jewels that ultimately bring honor and glory to God.