19“Is God able,” such was their challenge, “to spread in the desert a table?
20From the rock that he struck there gushed water, and torrents that overflowed; but can he also give bread, or provide his people with meat?”
21When the Lord heard this, he was furious, and fire was kindled on Jacob, anger flared up against Israel.
22For they put no trust in God, no confidence in his help.
23So he summoned the clouds above; and, opening the doors of heaven,
24he rained manna upon them for food, and grain of heaven he gave them.
25Everyone ate the bread of angels; he sent them food to the full.
26He launched the east wind in the heavens, and guided the south by his power.
27He rained meat upon them like dust, winged bird like the sand of the sea.
28In the midst of their camp he dropped it, all around their tents.
29They ate and were more than filled; he had brought them the thing they desired.
30But the thing they desired became loathsome: while their food was still in their mouths,
31the wrath of God rose against them. He slew the stoutest among them, and laid low the young men of Israel.
32Yet for all this they sinned yet more, and refused to believe in his wonders.
33So he ended their days in a breath, and their years in sudden dismay.
34When he slew them, then they sought after him, they turned and sought God with diligence.
35They remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their redeemer.
36But they flattered him with their mouth, and lied to him with their tongue.
37Their heart was not steady with him, they were faithless to his covenant.
38But he is full of pity: he pardons sin and destroys not. Often he turns his anger away, without stirring his wrath at all.