The Lord Sends Bread Like Rain

Tenth Sunday of Pentecost

Exodus 16: 2 - 4, 9 - 15

The folk etymology for manna in Exodus is that it comes from a Hebrew phrase meaning, "What is it?" But the word may mean simply edible or foodstuff.

The surprising element in the story is not that God provides for his people, for he surely does, but that God, the creator of infinite variety, provides only one edible substance.

The wonder of God is that if he provides for only one of our needs with only one thing, it is still more than enough.

This story takes place after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt across the Sea of Reeds, and the Israelites had entered the Sinai, which, then as now, is desert, on their way to the land of Canaan. Aaron is Moses' brother and speaker, who became the high priest of the Israelites.

1. What did the people miss about Egypt?

In Egypt they had all the bread and meat they wanted.

2. What did they fear about the desert?

The Israelites were afraid that they would starve to death.

3. What did the Lord say to Moses?

The Lord said, "I will send down bread like rain."