📖 Biblical Definition
The quail was the migratory bird sent twice by God to feed Israel in the wilderness — and the two episodes preach opposite lessons. In Exodus 16:13, the quail came in the evening with the manna in the morning as pure provision: "in the evening the quails came up, and covered the camp." In Numbers 11, after the people’s lustful complaint that they had no meat, the LORD sent quail in such quantity that they piled three feet deep around the camp — "and while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague" (11:33). The quail teaches the saint: God answers prayers two ways — with bread, or with "leanness of soul" (Psalm 106:15).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
QUAIL, n.
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A bird of the genus Tetrao, or according to the later classification, of the genus Perdix. The common quail is about seven inches and a half in length. It is a bird of passage, migrating in autumn.
📖 Key Scripture
Exodus 16:13 — "At even the quails came up, and covered the camp."
Numbers 11:31 — "A wind from the Lord... brought quails from the sea."
Numbers 11:33 — "While the flesh was yet between their teeth... the wrath of the Lord was kindled."
Psalm 106:15 — "He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern prayer demands the quail without reckoning the soul-leanness it brings.
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The consumer-church prays like Israel at Kibroth-hattaavah: give me the thing I crave, not the manna You chose. God sometimes answers those prayers — and the getting is the judgment. Psalm 106:15 is the most frightening verse in the Psalter: He gave them their request; He sent leanness into their soul.
The man who will not take the manna God sends will get the quail he demanded — and choke on it. Contentment with God's provision is not weakness; it is the only safe altitude. When a prosperity preacher promises you the quail, ask whether you have first learned to love the manna.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew selav (H7958) — quail.
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H7958 — selav — quail; migratory bird; Ex 16, Num 11, Ps 105
Usage
"Beware the answered prayer that leaves you leaner than the unanswered one."
"Manna is God's wisdom; quail is God's warning to the one who despised manna."
"Not every full table is a blessed table — ask Kibroth-hattaavah."