Why did the Israelites need manna if they had flocks/herds of animals that they could eat?

Response

In Exodus 9:1–7, the Bible recounts that the Israelites possessed cattle or livestock while they were enslaved in Egypt. In Exodus 12:30–31, Pharaoh instructs Moses to leave Egypt following the final plague, which resulted in the death of all the firstborn sons in Egypt. Pharaoh even urged the Israelites to depart with all their possessions, including their flocks and herds, essentially erasing any trace of them from Egypt. However, as they journeyed through the wilderness, they grumbled and lamented about their lack of food. In response, God mercifully provided manna (Exodus 16:1-5). Despite having flocks and herds of animals, why did they consider themselves “starving”?

The Bible does not explicitly clarify why they refrained from—or were unable to—consume the animals from their flocks. While Scripture remains silent on the matter, we can speculate on some potential reasons. Firstly, it is conceivable that the influence of Egyptian culture lingered within the Israelites after centuries of captivity. Egypt revered various animals, including cattle, as part of their religious practices. Shortly after leaving Egypt, the Israelites even worshipped a golden calf crafted by Aaron in Moses’ absence (Exodus 32:1-4). It is plausible that they were so entrenched in Egyptian customs that they could not bring themselves to eat animals they once worshipped.

Secondly, could they have viewed their livestock as their livelihood? Being shepherds themselves and descending from a lineage of shepherds, they might have perceived their flocks and herds as their primary source of sustenance. It is conceivable that they preserved their animals for the future, anticipating their return to the Promised Land where they would resume their roles as shepherds and herdsmen. Consuming their primary source of livelihood could have been a difficult decision for them, prompting them to hold onto their flocks and herds for the anticipated transition to the Promised Land.In their new country, without their income, they would be paupers and beggars. Another possibility is that they were simply complaining because they were tired of eating the same food all the time. Maybe they desired some variety in their diet.

Regardless of the cause, the crucial point is that the Israelites did not lack meat; what they lacked was faith. They longed to return to Egypt where they were “fed” (Numbers 11:4-6). Despite having been slaves in Egypt, they wished to return to avoid worrying about their next meal. Furthermore, they should have completed the journey in 10 days (and likely had enough food for that duration), but it took 40 years due to their rebellion and disobedience (Numbers 14:26-35). The grumbling Israelites could not be pleased or satisfied, not even with meat for an entire month, all the flocks and herds, or all the fish in the sea.

Although God does not explain why this occurred, the lesson we derive from it is that God is faithful and provides for our needs, whatever they may be, even if it is not what we desire or believe we need. He understands our most essential needs and knows what will sustain us and keep us safe. For instance, the clothes and shoes of the Israelites did not wear out during their 40 years of wandering in the desert because God ensured it (Deuteronomy 8:4; Nehemiah 9:21). The manna remained fresh as long as the people gathered it according to His instructions, and water flowed from a rock for them: “And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also” (Numbers 20:11). Similarly, God has pledged to provide for us.By meeting all our needs through His riches in Christ Jesus, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). We are not to worry about food because God knows what we need before we ask. Instead, we are to seek God and His kingdom, prioritizing Him and trusting in His faithfulness to provide what we need (Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:22-31).