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NASB | Exodus 16:3 The sons of Israel said to them, "Would that we had died by the LORD'S hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 16:3 and the Israelites said to them, "Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate bread until we were full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this entire assembly with hunger." |
Bible Question: Since the children of Israel left Egypt with abundant lifestock, why did God have to provide manna for them in the wilderness? |
Bible Answer: 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! |