Deuteronomy 32:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 32:14
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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 32 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, truth. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 32:14
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.
Analysis
Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs—Moses recounts God's extravagant provision using Hebrew ḥem'at bāqār (cream/curds of cattle) and ḥālāv ṣō'n (milk of flock). Rams of the breed of Bashan references the renowned pastureland east of Jordan known for prime livestock (Ezekiel 39:18, Amos 4:1). The metaphor of drinking the pure blood of the grape (דַּם־עֵנָב, dam-'ēnāb) is poetic imagery for finest wine, not literal blood.
This verse catalogs covenant blessings—agricultural abundance, livestock prosperity, and luxury goods—demonstrating that Israel's rebellion (v.15-18) was not born from deprivation but from prosperity. The imagery anticipates Jesus's eucharistic language of bread and wine representing covenant relationship.
Historical Context
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) was composed circa 1406 BC as prophetic testimony against Israel's future apostasy. Bashan, conquered under Moses (Numbers 21:33-35), became proverbial for agricultural excellence. This verse establishes the contrast: God's lavish faithfulness versus Israel's ingratitude.
Reflection
- How does material prosperity sometimes lead to spiritual complacency in your own life?
- What does God's generous provision to rebellious Israel reveal about His character and grace?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Genesis 49:11
- Parallel theme: Psalms 81:16, 147:14