Exodus 16:4-5

THE PROMISE OF MANNA AND QUAILS, Exodus 16:4-12.

4, 5. Bread from heaven A miraculous provision . See Introduction, (2 . ) Without a miracle this great host of two millions could never have subsisted in the desert for forty years . Yet they were not entirely dependent upon the manna . They got milk from their flocks and herds, probably traded the products of their cattle with the desert tribes, and perhaps, in this forty years’ sojourn, some halted long enough in some of the fertile wadies to lay them under cultivation. They shifted their camping grounds with the seasons, as do the Bedouins to-day, in order to find the best pasturage for their cattle. Yet this manna supply was an important part of the national education of Israel for their great mission to mankind. The national history and poetry, as found in the Psalms and Prophets especially, show how deeply this event stamped itself upon the soul of Israel.

That I may prove them Israel was to learn that God gives daily bread, and the sixth day’s provision was especially to test their obedience.