Bible moment
The Bible moment
Exodus 16:1–36 tells how the Israelites came to the wilderness of Sin after leaving Elim and complained to Moses and Aaron because they were hungry. The LORD said He would provide bread from heaven in the morning and quail in the evening. When the dew lifted, a fine, flaky substance appeared on the ground. The Israelites asked what it was, and Moses explained that it was the bread the LORD had given them to eat. They were instructed to gather according to each person’s need. Before the Sabbath, they gathered twice as much, because the Sabbath was a holy day of rest. The account also describes manna being kept as a remembrance for future generations. The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to an inhabited land.
Look closely
What children can notice
A child-friendly wilderness camp in the morning, with dew lifting to reveal fine, flaky manna on the ground. Clearly distinguish Moses, the Israelites, and nearby tents as people look at the unusual food and learn that it is the bread the LORD has given them.
Talk together
Talk about it
- What did the Israelites find when the dew lifted?
- How can we show gratitude for what God provides?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with Exodus 16:1–36 in family devotions, Sunday school, classroom lessons, or homeschool study. Invite children to retell the morning discovery, notice the gathering instructions, and discuss dependence, obedience, Sabbath rest, remembrance, and gratitude. Keep the scene focused on the biblical account without adding modern explanations for manna.
Source note
From this passage
Exodus 16:13-15 · Bread from Heaven
A child-friendly wilderness camp in the morning, with dew lifting to reveal fine, flaky manna on the ground. Clearly distinguish Moses, the Israelites, and nearby tents as people look at the unusual food and learn that it is the bread the LORD has given them.
