King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:13 in the King James Version says “He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;”

Deuteronomy 32:13 · KJV

Context

11

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

12

So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

13

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

14

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

15

But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He made him ride on the high places of the earth (yarkivehu 'al-bamote 'arets)—bamot (high places) denotes elevated terrain and strategic dominance. God gave Israel possession of Canaan's fortified cities and mountainous regions, militarily superior positions. Spiritually, this imagery suggests exaltation and blessing—God elevates His people to positions of influence and provision.

That he might eat the increase of the fields—agricultural abundance in Canaan contrasted sharply with wilderness manna. Suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock (debasho mitselah shamen mechlamish tsur)—the paradox of extracting sweetness (honey) and richness (oil) from barren rock emphasizes God's miraculous provision. Wild bees nested in rocky crevices; olive trees grew in stony Judean soil, producing abundant oil despite harsh conditions.

These images portray covenant blessing: God transforms impossibility into fruitfulness. The same rock that could crush (judgment) instead nourishes (grace). Paul identifies this rock christologically: 'that Rock was Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:4)—the source of spiritual nourishment and salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse previews Israel's Canaan conquest and settlement (1406-1350 BCE). The 'high places' geographically describe Palestine's mountainous terrain; strategically, they represent military victory over Canaanite strongholds. Agricultural wealth (grain, honey, oil) characterized the 'land flowing with milk and honey' (Exodus 3:8). Honey wasn't primarily from cultivated bees but wild bees in rock crevices. Olive oil was a staple—for food, fuel, medicine, anointing—making its abundance a covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 8:8). The imagery reverses wilderness scarcity: instead of barren rock yielding only water (Exodus 17:6), Canaan's rocks produce luxury goods. The Song's poetic climax (vv. 13-14) catalogs lavish provision, magnifying God's goodness and thus intensifying Israel's ingratitude (vv. 15-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God brought 'sweetness from the rock'—blessing from what seemed barren or difficult in your life?
  2. In what ways does God's abundant provision (spiritual and physical) tempt you toward self-sufficiency and forgetting dependence on Him (cf. v. 15)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יַרְכִּבֵ֙הוּ֙1 of 13

“He made him ride”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַל2 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּ֣מֳתֵי3 of 13

“on the high places”

H1116

an elevation

אָ֔רֶץ4 of 13

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיֹּאכַ֖ל5 of 13

“that he might eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

תְּנוּבֹ֣ת6 of 13

“the increase”

H8570

produce

שָׂדָ֑י7 of 13

“of the fields”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וַיֵּֽנִקֵ֤הֽוּ8 of 13

“and he made him to suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

דְבַשׁ֙9 of 13

“honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

מִסֶּ֔לַע10 of 13

“out of the rock”

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

וְשֶׁ֖מֶן11 of 13

“and oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

מֵֽחַלְמִ֥ישׁ12 of 13

“out of the flinty”

H2496

flint

צֽוּר׃13 of 13

“rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 32:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 32:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 58:14Job 29:6Psalms 81:16Ezekiel 36:2Deuteronomy 33:29Deuteronomy 33:26

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