16. He caused streams to flow from the rock,and made the water flow like rivers.
17. Yet they continued to sin against him,and rebelled against the sovereign One in the desert.
18. They willfully challenged Godby asking for food to satisfy their appetite.
19. They insulted God, saying,“Is God really able to give us food in the wilderness?
20. Yes, he struck a rock and water flowed out,streams gushed forth.But can he also give us food?Will he provide meat for his people?”
21. When the Lord heard this, he was furious.A fire broke out against Jacob,and his anger flared up against Israel,
22. because they did not have faith in God,and did not trust his ability to deliver them.
23. He gave a command to the clouds above,and opened the doors in the sky.
24. He rained down manna for them to eat;he gave them the grain of heaven.
25. Man ate the food of the mighty ones.He sent them more than enough to eat.
26. He brought the east wind through the sky,and by his strength led forth the south wind.
27. He rained down meat on them like dust,birds as numerous as the sand on the seashores.
28. He caused them to fall right in the middle of their camp,all around their homes.
29. They ate until they were stuffed;he gave them what they desired.
30. They were not yet filled up,their food was still in their mouths,
31. when the anger of God flared up against them.He killed some of the strongest of them;he brought the young men of Israel to their knees.
32. Despite all this, they continued to sin,and did not trust him to do amazing things.
33. So he caused them to die unsatisfiedand filled with terror.
34. When he struck them down, they sought his favor;they turned back and longed for God.
35. They remembered that God was their protector,and that the sovereign God was their deliverer.