Psalms 106:9

4. “They wandered in the wilderness, in a dry place, they found not the way of a city to dwell in” ( ver. 4 ). We have heard a wretched wandering; what of want? “Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them” ( ver. 5 ). But wherefore did it faint? for what good? For God is not cruel, but He maketh Himself known, in that it is expedient for us, that He be entreated by us fainting, and that aiding us He be loved. And therefore after this wandering, and hunger, and thirst, “And they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distress” ( ver. 6 ). And what did He for them, as they were wandering? “And He led them in the right way” ( ver. 7 ). …

35. He indeed could neither rain bread from heaven by prayer, to nourish an escaped people in the wilderness, nor supply fountains of food without cost from the depth of vessels which are filled by being emptied, and so, by an amazing return for her hospitality, support one who supported him; nor feed thousands of men with five loaves whose very fragments were a further supply for many tables. These were the works of Moses and Elijah, and my God, from Whom they too derived their power. Perhaps also they were characteristic of their time and its circumstances: since signs are for unbelievers not for those who believe. But he did devise and execute with the same faith things which correspond to them, and tend in the same direction. …