Deuteronomy 32:13

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 32:13 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the Song of Moses, a poetic and prophetic song spoken shortly before his death. The song reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness, their history, and the danger of turning away from Him. Here Moses recalls how God cared for His people in the wilderness.

Meaning

The opening image, “He made him ride on the high places of the earth,” pictures God lifting Israel to a place of honour and safety. High places in the Bible often mean victory and blessing. This was not earned by Israel; it was a gift from God, showing His favour among the nations.

The phrase “that he might eat the increase of the fields” points to God’s daily provision. The land gave crops and harvest, so the people had food. This was the fruit of the promised land, a sign of God’s care for their physical needs.

The final image is striking: “to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock.” Honey and oil were valuable in ancient times. Honey could come from wild bees nesting in rocky crevices, and olive trees could grow in stony soil. God used hard, unlikely places to feed His people. This shows His power to provide even when circumstances seem barren or impossible.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes God’s earlier promise to bring Israel into a good land, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:7-9, where He describes a land with brooks, springs, and olive trees. The same God who promised also fulfilled. The song later warns that forgetting such provision leads to pride and ruin, but here the focus is on gratitude.

Application

God still provides for His people in unexpected ways. When resources seem scarce, He can open doors that look like solid rock. This truth calls us to trust Him, not our own strength. It also reminds us that every good gift, from daily bread to unexpected blessings, comes from His hand.

Reflection

Israel’s history teaches us to remember God’s past faithfulness. When we recall how He has helped us, our trust grows for the future. Let this verse lead you to thank God for His care, and to rest in His ability to sustain you, even in difficult places.