Sorry for the wet log on the fire

Sandi, I'm sorry for appearing disinterested in your firewood observance. I have never considered the need for so much wood during the Tabernacle years.

Prodded by your post, I have researched the issue a little. First of all, there is a difference between the wilderness and the desert. The desert is completely barren while the wilderness does have vegetation--albeit sparse and small. The broom tree is actually a small shrub but does provide some wood. Still, this cannot be large enough to provide the kind of heat necessary to burn a bull to ashes.

There is an abundance of wood less than 60 miles north. Merchants could have provided some but that seems highly unlikely. I do not remember ever reading about trading for firewood.

According to one Internet source (which is always reliable), animal bones can be used for firewood. Of course, Scott was correct when he mentioned the animal dung burning well--RVL says, "like charcoal." This is a good explanation for where they got fire fuel.

However, Leviticus 6 says to use firewood. Also, Numbers 15:32 records a man gathering wood on the Sabbath--a major offense. So, the question remains, where did the firewood come from? There certainly are not enough broom, acacia, tamarisk, or any other trees around that area.

So, I opt for the standard "I don't know" answer. God provided everything else for them--food, water, clothes, heat, and shade. We might as well add firewood to the list. Again, I'm sorry for the cop out.