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