Meaning
Quails are small, ground-dwelling birds belonging to a group of game birds. They have rounded bodies, short tails, and generally brown or mottled plumage. Quails are found in various parts of the world and are sometimes hunted or raised for their meat and eggs.
Biblical Usage
In Exodus 16, the LORD provided quails for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The quails came up in the evening and covered the camp, while manna appeared in the morning (Exodus 16:11-15).
Numbers 11 records another occasion when the LORD brought quails to the Israelites. A wind from the LORD brought the birds from the sea, and the people gathered them around the camp. The passage also records a plague among the people while the flesh was yet between their teeth (Numbers 11:31-34).
The Psalms recall the provision of quails during Israel’s wilderness journey (Psalm 78:26-31; 105:40).
Key References
- Exodus 16:13 — Quails came up in the evening and covered the camp.
- Numbers 11:31-32 — A wind from the LORD brought quails from the sea, and the people gathered them.
- Numbers 11:33-34 — A plague followed the gathering of quails.
- Psalm 78:26-31 — The provision of birds and the events that followed are recalled.
- Psalm 105:40 — The LORD brought quails when the people asked.
Related Terms
- Manna — Food provided by the LORD for Israel in the wilderness.
- Wilderness — An uncultivated or sparsely inhabited region through which Israel travelled.
- Israel — The people who received quails during their wilderness journey.
- Provision — The act of supplying what is needed.