Bible Trivia - 11/12/2008

Question: In what situation were quail first mentioned in the Bible?

Answer: As meat provided by God to the Israelites the night before manna was provided. (Exodus 16:13-21)

Comments: Twice during the wilderness wandering, quail was miraculously supplied to the Israelites as food (Exodus 16:13; Numbers 11:31-32). Quails are small, plump terrestrial birds which fly low to the ground and are capable of short, rapid bursts of flight. Regarding their appearance in the wilderness, the IVP Bible Background Commentary explains: "Small, plump migratory quail often come through the Sinai on their way north from the Sudan to Europe usually in the months of March and April." (Page 149)

So it came about at evening that the quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. (Exodus 16:13, NASB)

This situation is not only the first time quail appear in the Bible, but quail appear in the Biblical text only in connection with sustenance in the wilderness. Quail appear in four verses spanning three books of the Old Testament, all in connection with their appearance in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:13, Numbers 11:31, 11:32, Psalm 105:40). Quail do not appear in the New Testament.