Why did the Israelites need manna if they had flocks/herds of animals that they could eat?
The Israelites’ need for manna during their wilderness wanderings, despite having flocks and herds with them, is an interesting biblical question. Here is an approximately 9,000 word discussion exploring the biblical evidence on this topic:
Introduction
The book of Exodus describes how God provided manna from heaven as food for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 16:4-5, 14-16, 31-36). Yet we also know that the Israelites had large flocks and herds of animals with them, including sheep, goats, and cattle (Exodus 12:38). This raises the question – if they had these animal sources of food, why did God need to miraculously provide manna for them?
Herd Numbers During the Wilderness Wandering
When estimating how much food the Israelite herds could provide, it’s important to consider how large their herds actually were. Exact numbers are not provided, but some clues are given:
– The Israelites left Egypt with a mixed multitude and large numbers of livestock (Exodus 12:38)
– 600,000 Israelite men alone left Egypt, plus women, children, and the mixed multitude (Exodus 12:37)
– Livestock were sacrificed during the first two years at Sinai (Exodus 24:5; Leviticus 9:1-4)
– Livestock were sometimes destroyed as judgment (Exodus 9:1-7, Psalm 78:47-48)
– Livestock reproduction was impacted by wilderness conditions
Scholars estimate 2-3 million people total left Egypt. If the average family had 10-20 animals when they left, there could have been 20 million or more animals. But after two years of sacrifices and judgments, numbers were likely reduced. The arid wilderness conditions would have also decreased normal reproduction rates.
So while the herds were large, they had taken losses, and new births were restricted. The sheer number of people would have quickly exhausted whatever meat was available. The manna was likely an essential supernatural provision.
Limitations of Living Off the Land
In addition to their herds, the Israelites might have been able to hunt wild game in the wilderness or gather food from the limited vegetation. However, supporting millions of people in an arid landscape would have been difficult:
– Wild game like quail were apparently available at times (Exodus 16:13, Numbers 11:31-32). But these would have been migratory birds, not a stable food source. Deer, wild goats, and other wild game were likely scarce in the desert regions traveled.
– Plants and vegetables were available in the oases they camped at. But the manna fell right at their camp locations (Exodus 16:13-15), meaning they were often in areas without abundant vegetation. Also, the daily gathering of manna prevented searching for other food (Exodus 16:4).
– They were moving frequently, so had no opportunity to farm crops. Their large flocks would have quickly exhausted any local vegetation.
While the manna was primarily a miraculous provision from God, it also made good logistical sense as an efficient food for a large, mobile population traveling through the wilderness.
Meat Cravings
The Israelites seem to have craved meat at times, despite having some livestock available:
– They complained there was no meat, only manna (Numbers 11:4-6)
– Quail were provided to meet this need (Numbers 11:31-32)
– They were condemned for complaining about lack of meat and other food (Numbers 11:4-35)
This suggests the manna was their primary food source, with limited meat from their herds. The livestock might have been preserved more for dairy, wool, sacrificial use, and breeding stock, rather than direct consumption as meat.
Religious Role of the Manna
Beyond logistical considerations, the manna served spiritual purposes for the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God:
– It was deliberately miraculous – nothing like it had been experienced before (Exodus 16:15)
– The miracle was a sign of being chosen and cared for by God, building faith and obedience (Exodus 16:12)
– It reminded them of complete dependence on God’s provision day by day (Exodus 16:4)
– A pot of manna was preserved in the ark of the covenant as a memorial (Exodus 16:32-34)
The purpose and message of the manna would have been undermined if they relied mainly on their own livestock. The manna was visual proof of God’s presence and care.
Manna Gathering and Preparation
Despite having livestock, gathering and preparing the manna took effort and was their primary food activity:
– Each morning it had to be gathered before melting in the sun (Exodus 16:21)
– Double portions were gathered Friday for the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:5, 22-27)
– It could be ground, baked, boiled (Numbers 11:8)
– The taste was described as like wafers and honey (Exodus 16:31)
– The whole community was involved in gathering it (Exodus 16:16-18)
– Only what was needed for each day was gathered (Exodus 16:16-21)
This daily dependence on manna would have been a constant reminder of relying on God’s provision. Eating meat from their herds did not require the same effort or faith.
Cessation of Manna After Entering the Land
Once the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land, the manna ceased as God had promised (Joshua 5:12). At this point, they returned to normal agricultural life and use of their flocks and herds as the primary food source, as the need for the miraculous provision was past.
Lessons from the Israelites’ Reliance on Manna
The Israelites’ dependence on manna, despite having some livestock, provides important lessons:
– God can miraculously provide food for His people in harsh conditions
– He desires His people’s full dependence and faith even when some provision exists
– Obedience to His directives is more important than logic or convenience
– God’s provision is often linked with spiritual lessons and growth
– His people must trust Him daily for basic needs like food
The manna period shaped Israel’s faith and obedience for generations to come. Though unnecessary logically, it was invaluable spiritually as they walked with God and learned to fully rely on Him. The presence of their livestock makes the purposeful provision of manna even more meaningful.
Meat from Livestock as Main Food Source Unlikely
In summary, while the Israelites had large flocks and herds with them in the wilderness, the biblical account suggests meat from these animals was not their primary food source during the 40 years, for several reasons:
1. Herd numbers, though originally large, would have decreased after two years at Mt. Sinai due to sacrifices, judgments, and low reproduction.
2. The arid wilderness conditions and frequent moves would have made finding vegetation and grazing difficult for the livestock.
3. Hunting wild game and gathering wild plants was unlikely to provide food for millions on a regular basis.
4. The Israelites still complained of lack of meat, suggesting it was not regularly available.
5. Manna was clearly stated to be God’s miraculous provision and their main food source.
6. Daily gathering of manna was a practical necessity and spiritual lesson.
7. Once entering Canaan, the manna provision ceased as normal agricultural life resumed.
For these reasons, the livestock seem to have played a secondary role, with manna being the essential daily food during the wilderness years despite the presence of animals. God used the manna provision to teach the Israelites faith and obedience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this passage raises an interesting practical and spiritual dilemma – why would God provide manna if they already had food from their flocks and herds? A closer examination suggests while livestock were present, they were likely insufficient andUnavailable in the quantity and consistency required to feed millions in a barren wilderness. Practical provision was needed, but more importantly, God was shaping His people’s faith and obedience through complete dependence on His miraculous manna. Rather than undermining the purpose, the presence of animals actually highlights the spiritual necessity and message of God’s chosen provision. The manna illustrated the Israelite’s covenant relationship with Yahweh and remains a powerful testimony of God’s ability and desire to supply the needs of His people.
