Results 1 - 3 of 3
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why did God provide manna? | Ex 16:3 | YTY | 52524 | ||
Since the children of Israel left Egypt with abundant lifestock, why did God have to provide manna for them in the wilderness? | ||||||
2 | Why did God provide manna? | Ex 16:3 | budman | 52606 | ||
I think that this is an excellent question based on a careful reading of the text! Exodus 13:38 makes it pretty clear that large flocks and herds went out with the Israelites when they fled Egypt; so there was no lack of fresh meat on the journey. It is possible that they took only breeding pairs with them when they fled and were loathe to slaughter them. Or it is possible that they brought large flocks with them, but knew that on a journey they would not breed and could forsee a time when there would be no further animials for eating. But the Israelites are not particularly foresightful people in this story, so I doubt that. Further, the "very large number of livestock" suggests that there were plenty of animals, including young. They would be used later for milk, meat and obviously for sacrifice. So clearly, the Israelites would not have starved had God not provided manna and quail for them. Their complaint was typical hyperbole. However, I think the question is based upon a slight mis-read; the text doesn't indicate that God HAD to provide manna for them. It does indicate WHY God provided manna for them in Exodus 16:4. I think that God ignores their complaint about starving, knowing that they are petulant children. But he uses their complaint as an opportunity to test them, to see if they will believe Him or not! |
||||||
3 | Why did God provide manna? | Ex 16:3 | YTY | 52607 | ||
Thank you for your enlightening answer. It is clearer to me now that the LORD wanted to show by His provision of manna that it was He who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and that it would be He who would provide for all their needs in the wilderness. They probably would not have starved to death if the LORD had not provided manna, but God chose to be gracious to them. Looking at it this way, the manna was a luxury to them and they were travelling first class! I guess looking at our own lives we find this to be true also in that God has lavished upon us so much above the bare necessities we need to live. | ||||||