Bible Question: The Israelites fled Egypt with their herds. Why then did God need to feed them with manna? |
Bible Answer: Hello Lap, Welcome to the Forum. With the information provided in Scripture we would need to do some assuming, and it would be no more than assumption. With that said: At the time in question, the Israelites had been on the move for about a month and a half. Perhaps the supplies they had brought with them (including the herd) was depleted or nearly so. We might also assume that they were growing tired of the same vittles. Ever had a piece of meet with no spices or condiments at all? :) Anyway, assumptions aside, when we focus on these types of details it's likely we will overlook the message. What's clear in the passage is the truth that the Israelites were disatisfied with their deliverance. They had been freed from the bondage of slavery. Yet they grumbled at the hardship preferring the pleasures of the flesh to the freedom given by God. Sound familiar? As Christians we have been freed from the bondage of slavery. Slavery to sin. But our flesh continues to cry out for it; to desire it; to want to be comforted by those things we have been freed from. More than being disatisfied, they had no faith in the One who had delievered them that He too would sustain them. Even after He provided the manna they were commanded to save nothing over night for the next day. God was testing them (v.4). And they fell short (v.19-20). Why did they save some for morning? Apparently they did not trust that the Lord would continue to provide. Still sound familiar? I know it does to me. Even as the Lord continues to bless me in this life, I continue to struggle with doing things my way. But like He did with His Israelites, He continues to do with me. It's often in hind-sight that I fully realize it; that it is only in His provision that I am sustained-spiritually and physically. I hope this helps. You will likely get other responses that offer better insight. Until then, I encourage you to spend some time in the whole chapter and book and focus on the larger message. God bless, Jeff |