1 When Israel sins, the Lord reproves, And fills their hearts with dread; Yet he forgives the men he loves, And sends them heavenly bread.
2 He fed them with a liberal hand, And made his treasures known; He gave the midnight clouds command To pour provision down.
3 The manna, like a morning shower, Lay thick around their feet; The corn of heaven, so light, so pure, As tho' 'twere angels' meat.
4 But they in murmuring language said, "Manna is all our feast; "We loathe this light, this airy bread; "We must have flesh to taste."
5 "Ye shall have flesh to please your lust;" The Lord in wrath reply'd, And sent them quails like sand or dust, Heap'd up from side to side.
6 He gave them all their own desire; And greedy as they fed, His vengeance burnt with secret fire, And smote the rebels dead.
7 When some were slain, the rest return'd, And sought the Lord with tears; Under the rod they fear'd and mourn'd, But soon forgot their fears.
8 Oft he chastis'd and still forgave, Till by his gracious hand The nation he resolv'd to save, Possess'd the promis'd land.