The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13 - 5 August 2012
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13 - 5 August 2012 Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 Psalm 78:23-29 Ephesians 4:1-16 St. John 6:24:35 Background: The Fleshpots of Egypt In the first reading for this Sunday, the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land wistfully recall their diet in the land of Egypt. Since they were largely located in the delta of the Nile, their diet may have been more varied than that of those living further to the south. Originally the diet depended largely on game, fruits and vegetables; and of course the Nile supplied fish. For the average person the meats were probably rare and were limited to sheep, goats, some cattle, and perhaps a hyena or two. The delta region would have produced wonderful produce: scallions, garlic, melons, celery and lettuces, and various legumes. Papyrus was even eaten along with turnips, and tubers, which