Topical Encyclopedia Quail are small, migratory birds that hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of God's provision for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. These birds are classified as "clean" according to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament, meaning they were permissible for consumption by the Israelites.Biblical References The most notable mention of quail in the Bible occurs during the Exodus, when the Israelites, having left Egypt, found themselves in the wilderness without sufficient food. In response to their complaints, God provided quail as a source of sustenance. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Numbers. In Exodus 16:13 , it is written: "That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp." This miraculous provision of quail, along with manna, demonstrated God's care and provision for His people despite their grumbling and lack of faith. Similarly, in Numbers 11:31-32 , the narrative expands on this event: "Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea; it brought them down all around the camp to about two cubits above the ground, for a day's journey in any direction. All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. Then they spread them out all around the camp." Cultural and Theological Significance The provision of quail is significant not only as a demonstration of God's miraculous provision but also as a test of obedience and faith for the Israelites. Despite the abundance of quail, the Israelites' response was marked by greed and disobedience, leading to dire consequences as described in Numbers 11:33-34 : "But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food." Theologically, the quail episode underscores themes of reliance on divine provision, the dangers of ingratitude, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for their daily needs and the consequences of failing to trust in His provision. Dietary Laws In the context of Levitical dietary laws, quail are considered clean birds. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 outline the criteria for clean and unclean animals, and while quail are not mentioned explicitly, they fall under the category of birds that are permissible to eat. The classification of quail as clean aligns with their role in the biblical narrative as a divinely sanctioned food source for the Israelites. Conclusion The biblical account of quail highlights God's provision and the Israelites' journey of faith and obedience. As clean birds, quail were an acceptable and significant part of the diet provided by God during a critical period in Israel's history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 16:12,13I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak to them, saying, At even you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 11:31,32 Library The Shameful Sufferer Ancient Chaldaea Christ a Complete Saviour: Resources What does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org What does God want me to do? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
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