Definition: 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;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 32:13. It's a pretty interesting and symbolic description of God’s plan for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, God is setting up a system where He uses human labor to benefit Him and His kingdom. Let’s unpack each part: “He made him ride on the high places of the earth…” – This isn't about literal riding. It's a metaphor for leading humanity. God is placing humans in positions of authority and influence, like leading people or nations. “…that he might eat the increase of the fields…” - Think of this as God using human work to provide food and prosperity. He’s establishing systems that allow people to prosper and thrive – farming, industry, etc. It’s about a sustainable system for providing goods and resources. “And he made him to suck honey out of the rock…” - This is a really striking image! Honey comes from bees. This represents God using human ingenuity and skill to extract something valuable (honey) from something seemingly barren or difficult – like rocks or hard materials. It's about bringing forth something beautiful and useful from what seems lifeless. “…and oil out of the flinty rock…” - Flint is a type of stone that’s brittle and easily broken. Oil is a valuable substance. This symbolizes God using human talent, knowledge, and abilities to create or extract resources – like oil for lamps, or wisdom for guidance. Overall Meaning: The verse describes a system where God, through his people (represented by humans), uses their work and skills to bring prosperity and benefit to the world. It's about establishing systems that produce wealth and opportunities – not just for the kingdom itself but also for those who serve it. It’s a reminder that God doesn't just give things; He empowers people to create and benefit from them. Important Note: This is a complex verse with layers of meaning, and there are different interpretations over time. It speaks to themes of stewardship, responsibility, and the importance of human work in a divine context. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be teaching about humanity's role in God’s plan?