Quail in the Wilderness
God sends quail to cover the camp of Israel when the people cry out for meat.
Twice in the wilderness Israel cried out for meat, and twice the Lord sent quail. At evening the quail came up and covered the camp. In Numbers 11 the flesh became a judgment on craving hearts, but the miracle itself testified again that God could spread a table in the wilderness.
God (through Moses)
The wilderness of Sin and Kibroth-hattaavah
What Happened
- 1Israel murmured for the flesh-pots of Egypt
- 2The Lord promised meat at evening and bread in the morning
- 3Quail came up and covered the camp
- 4In Numbers 11 a great wind brought quail from the sea
- 5The people gathered meat for many days
Key KJV Scriptures
"And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host."
"And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp."
Spiritual Significance
The quail show that God hears the cries of His people, even when those cries are mixed with unbelief. He answers, but He also disciplines hearts that despise His provision.
Lesson for Today
Ask for daily bread with thanksgiving. The Father feeds His children, but a complaining heart turns even His gifts into chastening.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times did God send quail?
Scripture records two distinct events: Exodus 16 in the wilderness of Sin, and Numbers 11 at Kibroth-hattaavah.
Why did the quail bring judgment in Numbers 11?
The people lusted and despised the manna. God gave them what they craved, but a plague struck those who indulged in greedy unbelief.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Quail in the Wilderness?
The miracle of Quail in the Wilderness is recorded in Exodus 16:13 (KJV), with additional references in Numbers 11:31.
Who performed the miracle of Quail in the Wilderness?
Scripture records that God (through Moses) carried out this miracle at The wilderness of Sin and Kibroth-hattaavah. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Manna from Heaven
God rained bread from heaven to feed Israel daily for forty years in the wilderness.
Water from the Rock
Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.
Feeding the Five Thousand
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed a crowd of more than five thousand.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreMichael the Archangel
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Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
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Aaron Quiz
Moses' brother, spokesman, and Israel's first high priest.
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Manna & Quail Bible Quiz
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Moses Quiz
From the bulrushes to Mount Nebo — the life of God's deliverer.
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Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Quail in the Wilderness
God sends quail to cover the camp of Israel when the people cry out for meat.
Manna from Heaven
God rained bread from heaven to feed Israel daily for forty years in the wildern
Moses in the Bible
The Lawgiver
Manna & Quail Bible Quiz
God's provision in the wilderness — bread from heaven and meat in abundance.
Aaron in the Bible
The First High Priest
Numbers Quiz
A journey through the census, laws, and wanderings of Israel in the wilderness.