THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
God continues to perform miraculous acts, from the provision of manna to the sending of quails, rising in might as affirmed by the Scriptures (Psalm 83:8). He creates paths for those who are unskilled, displaying His glory everywhere while demonstrating that He alone can accomplish things beyond human understanding without effort. His divine nature draws our awe, presenting Him not as a mere craftsman or cunning deceiver but as the true and natural God. Through His magnificent deeds, it is clear to all that His essence is marked by supreme power and invincibility in fulfilling His will. Moreover, He is also distinguished by His unwavering resolve. This clarity is evident in the examples previously mentioned.
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For it is recorded that on the fifteenth day of the second month after departing from Egypt, the entire assembly of Israel complained to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, saying, "Oh, if only we had perished by the hand of the Lord in Egypt, where we sat by the pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole congregation with hunger." In response, the Lord assured Moses, "Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them whether they will walk in My law or not. On the sixth day, they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather on other days" (Ex. 16:1-5).
As noted previously, the firstborn of Egypt perished, and the Israelites left the land without the time to stockpile provisions. They took their dough before it was leavened and carried it in their garments. They departed hastily, filled with fear, both from the Egyptians pursuing them and from the urgency of their own escape. The Egyptians feared joining those who had already faced divine judgment if they did not comply with God's command to release Israel; meanwhile, the Israelites worried that any delay would provoke their enemies, jeopardizing their lives. Thus, they took little for their journey, focusing only on what was readily available and easiest to carry. After consuming their provisions, they found themselves longing for the familiar foods of Egypt, overlooking the great deliverance they had experienced from slavery and the misfortune of their previous condition. Instead of appreciating their newfound freedom, they lamented their circumstances, preferring the desires of the flesh over the liberty granted to them. This deeply troubled Moses, their leader. However, God graciously offered to supply their needs abundantly, showing mercy even to those who had grumbled against Him. Seeking sustenance is not inherently sinful; rather, it was their complaints that displeased Him most. The Savior taught us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Yet, instead of recognizing His grace when they ought to have sought nourishment, the people of Israel expressed discontent, attributing their troubles to the very blessings that had liberated them from Egypt’s comforts. As a result, they murmured and unjustly accused God. Yet, God remained unperturbed and promised to provide them unexpectedly with plenty, sending quails in the evening and manna in the morning through His unfathomable power. As David proclaimed, “He gave them the bread of heaven; man ate the bread of angels” (Psalm 77:24-25). Through this trial and these wonders, He demonstrated His ability to sustain them in the wilderness, much like our Lord Jesus Christ, who, through miraculous means, fed many with five loaves, gathering twelve baskets of leftovers (Matthew 14:13-20). The nature of these miracles is beyond human comprehension; thus, what exceeds our understanding must be accepted solely through faith. Let all who marvel acknowledge that God is capable of all things and that His intentions are unchangeable (Job 42:2).