The Israelites had left Egypt and God led them safely across the Red Sea. For the next three months, the Israelites were in the desert heading eastward toward the land the Lord promised. During this time, they defended themselves against people in this region that did not appreciate the intrusion into their territory. The Israelites became unhappy about the lack of food. So God sent bread and quail miraculously from heaven for them to eat. Shortly after God sent manna and quail to eat, they began grumbling about the lack of water.
Manna means "What is it?" Manna was white in color and the size of coriander seed.
It would be collected in the morning as the dew evaporated, six days a week. On the sixth day, they would collect two days worth to have a portion for the seventh day, the Sabbath. Only the portion saved for the seventh day would keep overnight. Otherwise, it would rot if it was kept for the following day. It had to be collected fresh each day. If the Israelites went out to collect manna on the Sabbath morning, they found none. God was serious about them following his instructions.
Israelites ground the manna and pounded it into cakes, which were then baked.
If using Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs activity, do that now.
What would you like to have fall from the sky? Today, we are going to learn about a time in the Bible when something very unusual fell from the sky and covered the ground.
Teach in a tent, if possible.
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or tell the story yourself.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Exodus 16:2-8, 16:31-32
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water. Exodus 15:27
Supplies tent making supplies, like blankets, sheets, chairs, etc
Heads up! Be aware of food allergies!
Scripture Exodus 16:15 The people of Israel saw the flakes. They asked each other, "What's that?" They didn't know what it was. Moses said to them, "It's the bread the Lord has given you to eat.
Supplies foods that your students may not have tried before (radishes, asparagus, sauerkraut, beets, kiwi)
Supplies shallow tub with sand, popcorn, wooden figures
Heads up! This activity is best done while reading the Bible story.
Scripture The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seeds. It tasted like wafers that were made with honey. Exodus 16:21
Supplies coriander seeds (found in spice aisle of the supermarket), cilantro
Heads up! Print basket templates on card stock and cut strips of construction paper (optional) before hand
Scripture "I will raindown bread from heaven...." Exodus 16:4; "Jesus is the bread of life" John 6:35
Supplies templates, crayons, scissors, glue, snack
Heads up! cut strips of construction paper (2 per child)
Supplies construcion paper, markers, glue
Scripture The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, Exodus 16:1
Supplies thick paper, colored sand, glue
Scripture The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, Exodus 16:1
Supplies sand, small containers, spoons, small camel toys, rubbermaid container, tarp
Scripture Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Exodus 15:4
Supplies cotton balls
Heads up! Use as an introduction to the lesson
Scripture Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Exodus 16:4
Supplies Cloudy with a Chance to Meatballs by Judy Barrett
Heads up! Will want to make this just shortly before using. Can add a bit of water to soften, if begins to get stiff
Scripture The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, Exodus 16:1
Supplies 3 cups of fine sand, 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups of water Large old pot
Heads up! Activity needs to be done outside.
Scripture The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, Exodus 16:1