The Israelite Desert Diet
Photo by @yuli_superson, Unsplash
Have you ever wondered what the Israelites ate in the desert for forty years? Someone at church just asked me. Here’s (at least part of) the answer:
Manna. When the Israelites whinged in the desert, God provided manna daily as their main food source for 40 years (Exodus 16:14-35; Numbers 11:7-9; Joshua 5:12). It appeared on the ground like frost (Exodus 16:14), was white in colour and tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). It was small, like coriander seeds, looked like resin (Numbers 11:7), and tasted like something cooked with olive oil (Numbers 11:8).
Quail. When the Israelites whinged, God also sent quail (mini-chickens; see Exodus 16:13; Numbers 11:31-32).
Livestock. When the Israelites left Egypt, they took large flocks and herds of livestock, presumably for milk and meat (Exodus 12:38).
Livestock and Plunder. After defeating their enemies like the Midianites and Sihon king of Heshbon, the Israelites took livestock as plunder, presumably for milk and meat (Numbers 31:9-12; Deuteronomy 2:35). You have to wonder if they grabbed a few kilos of flour and grain as part of the plunder.
Food Purchased from Other Nations. Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites bought food and water from Edom and Moab (Deuteronomy 2:6, 28-29).
Water. Though not food, God miraculously provided water multiple times (e.g., Exodus 15:22-25, 17:6; Numbers 20:11). In John 4, God continues to provide water for us today. God, through Jesus, gives us Living Water, aka the Holy Spirit (see John 7:37–39).
