Questions From Reader/Did the Israelites have anything to eat in the wilderness besides manna and quail?

 The Israelites may also have stopped at the major oasis known today as Feiran, which is part of the wild Feiran. This wadi, or river valley," is 81 miles (130 km) long and is one of the longest, most beautiful, and most famous wadis in Sinai,"" says the book Discovering the World of the Bible. It continues stating: "In the wadi, about 28 miles (45 km) from its mouth, is the 3-mile-long [4.8 km, beautiful, palm-laden Feiran Oasis, about 2,000 feet [610 km] above sea level. It is the Eden of Sinai.  Thousands of date palms have attracted settlers to this site since ancient times."

When leaving Egypt, the Israelites brought along flour dough, kneading troughs, and possibly some grain and oil. Of course, these things would not have lasted long.  The people also brought "flocks and herds, a great number of livestock." (Exodus 12:34-39) Because of the harsh conditions in the wilderness, however, the number of animals would likely have dwindled.  Some of them may have served as food for the Israelites. Other animals may have been offered as sacrifice, even to false gods. (Acts 7:39-43) Still, the Israelites did breed some animals, as noted in Jehovah's words to the people in response to their gross lack of faith: "Your sons will become shepherds in the wilderness 40 years." (Numbers 14:33) It is possible, therefore, that their flocks provided milk and on occasion meat but certainly not enough to sustain an estimated three million people for 40 years.

Next time: Did the Isrelites have anything to eat in the wilderness besides manna and quail? - Conclusion

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