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 32:13KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:13 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:13 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:13 describes how God provided for Israel in remarkable ways, giving them the best of the land and even drawing sweet and rich things from unlikely places. The verse uses vivid images to show God’s care, like eating the produce of the fields and getting honey and oil from rocks.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of God’s faithfulness during their journey. The verse highlights how God lifted Israel up (“made him ride on the high places”) and provided abundantly, even in harsh or unexpected environments. This is part of a larger song recounting God’s goodness and Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:13

  • “Ride” (רָכַב, rākav): This word often means to mount or travel on something high, suggesting honor or being lifted above others. Here, it paints a picture of Israel being raised to a privileged position.
  • “High places” (בָּמָה, bamah): This term refers to elevated ground. In this context, it points to fertile or advantageous areas, not just literal hills, showing God gave Israel the best land.
  • “Suck” (יָנַק, yanaq): This word means to draw out or extract, like a child nursing. The image of sucking honey from a rock emphasizes getting something sweet and nourishing from a place where you wouldn’t expect it.
  • “Flinty rock” (חַלָּמִישׁ, challamish): This is a very hard stone. Drawing oil from such a rock underlines the miraculous provision—getting rich olive oil from an unyielding place.

Why Deuteronomy 32:13 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s provision is only ordinary; it shows that God can supply needs in surprising and extraordinary ways, even from places that seem barren.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s generosity and care for Israel, not just in survival but in abundance, which is a key theme in Moses’ song.
  • Understanding these images helps connect this verse to the broader story of Israel’s journey, showing how God’s faithfulness was evident even in the wilderness and in settling the land.

Where else these words appear

“increase” Hebrew H8570 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 9:11 But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?
  • Isaiah 27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.
  • Lamentations 4:9 They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field.

“flinty” Hebrew H2496 · used in 5 verses

  • Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
  • Job 28:9 He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.
  • Psalms 114:8 Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

“suck” Hebrew H3243 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
  • 1 Samuel 1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
  • Isaiah 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

“honey” Hebrew H1706 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
  • Deuteronomy 27:3 And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
  • Psalms 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!