Cathedral Homilies

so that they might have trust, and that they might remember the works of God and keep His commandments. They shall not be like their fathers, a perverse and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. The sons of Ephraim were archers, yet they turned back on the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God, and they refused to walk in His law. They forgot His works and the wonders He showed them. He performed wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt and in the fields of Zoan. He split the sea and caused them to pass through, and He stood the waters up like a wineskin. He led them with a cloud by day, and all the night with the light of fire. He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink as if from a great deep. He brought streams out of the rock and made water flow down like rivers. Yet they added more to sin against Him and provoked the Most High in the desert.

They tested God in their hearts by asking for food for themselves. They spoke against God and said, "Can God provide a table in the wilderness? Indeed, He struck the rock and water flowed, and the streams gushed out. Can He also provide bread or prepare a table for His people?" Because of this, the Lord heard and was angry. A fire was kindled against Jacob, and wrath also rose against Israel, because they did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation. He commanded the clouds from above and opened the doors of heaven. He rained down manna upon them to eat and gave them bread from heaven. Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. He caused the east wind to blow from the heavens and led the north wind by His power. He rained flesh upon them like dust and winged birds like the sand of the sea. He cast them into their camp, all around their tents. They ate and were well satisfied.