Deuteronomy 32:13

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַרְכִּבֵ֙הוּ֙
He made him ride
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
בָּ֣מֳתֵי
on the high places
an elevation
#4
אָ֔רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
וַיֹּאכַ֖ל
that he might eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
תְּנוּבֹ֣ת
the increase
produce
#7
שָׂדָ֑י
of the fields
a field (as flat)
#8
וַיֵּֽנִקֵ֤הֽוּ
and he made him to suck
to suck; causatively, to give milk
#9
דְבַשׁ֙
honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#10
מִסֶּ֔לַע
out of the rock
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
#11
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן
and oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#12
מֵֽחַלְמִ֥ישׁ
out of the flinty
flint
#13
צֽוּר׃
rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Deuteronomy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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