In biblical terminology, "sucklings" refers to infants or very young children who are still nursing. The term is often used to emphasize innocence, vulnerability, and dependence. Throughout Scripture, sucklings are mentioned in various contexts, highlighting both their physical and spiritual significance.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, sucklings are frequently mentioned in contexts that underscore their vulnerability and the care they require. For instance, in the book of Deuteronomy, the blessings and curses pronounced upon Israel include references to the well-being of sucklings. Deuteronomy 28:4 states, "The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks." This passage implies that the prosperity of the nation is linked to the health and growth of its children, including sucklings.

The prophet Isaiah also uses the imagery of sucklings to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Isaiah 11:8 , the peaceful kingdom of the Messiah is described: "The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest." This imagery suggests a future time of peace and safety, where even the most vulnerable are secure.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, sucklings are mentioned in the context of praise and spiritual insight. Jesus Himself refers to sucklings in Matthew 21:16 , quoting Psalm 8:2: "From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise." This statement follows the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where children in the temple courts were shouting praises to Jesus. Here, sucklings symbolize purity and the unadulterated praise that is pleasing to God.

The Gospel of Luke also highlights the significance of sucklings in the narrative of Jesus' birth. In Luke 2:12 , the angel announces to the shepherds, "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." The mention of Jesus as a suckling underscores His humility and the fulfillment of God's promises through the birth of a child.

Theological Implications

Theologically, sucklings represent the concept of spiritual infancy and the need for growth and nourishment in the faith. The Apostle Peter encourages believers to crave pure spiritual milk, akin to sucklings, in 1 Peter 2:2 : "Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." This metaphor emphasizes the importance of foundational teachings and the nurturing of one's faith.

Moreover, the presence of sucklings in biblical narratives often serves as a reminder of God's providence and care for the least and the weakest. The protection and provision for sucklings reflect God's compassion and the value He places on every life, regardless of its stage or status.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sucklings were considered a blessing and a sign of God's favor. The survival and health of infants were crucial for the continuation of family lines and the strength of the community. The biblical emphasis on sucklings aligns with the broader cultural understanding of children as a heritage from the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 127:3 : "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward."

In summary, the biblical references to sucklings highlight themes of innocence, dependence, and divine care. They serve as powerful symbols of God's love and the spiritual truths that transcend the physical realm.

Psalm VIII.
... 5. "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast made perfect praise, because
of Thine enemies" (ver.2). I cannot take babes and sucklings to be any other ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm viii.htm

The Doxology
... Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength, because of
Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon x the doxology.htm

High Esteem in which Martin was Held.
... Now, the Psalm ran thus: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected
praise because of thine enemies, that thou mightest destroy the enemy and ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix high esteem in.htm

Oration on the Palms.
... all judges of the earth; both young men and maidens [3118] "and what is new in this
miracle, the tender and innocent age of babes and sucklings hath obtained ...
/.../methodius/the writings of methodius fragments/oration on the palms.htm

The Old Prophets and Righteous Men Knew Beforehand of the Advent ...
... should come, and who said to Him, "Hearest thou what these say?" did the Lord reply,
"Have ye never read, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast Thou ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi the old prophets and.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
... at Hampton opened"Personal experiences"Welcome in Western Canada"Help for a Glasgow
home"Scottish ferryman""Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the ...
... Not from the great, the wise, nor the learned, but out of the mouth of babes and
sucklings' has He perfected praise.' [5102] And this, also, is the Music of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the second day.htm

Gethsemane
... of "the agony." Occupied with the Passover feast at their own houses, they represent
the many who live upon the letter, but are mere babes and sucklings as to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

Divine Songs For Children
... Divine Songs Attempted in the Easy Language of Children. By I. Watts. Out of the
Mouth of Babes and Sucklings thou hast perfected Praise. Matt. xxi.16. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine songs for children/title page.htm

A Treatise on Faith and the Creed.
... rendered admissible by the circumstances of the case; the purpose of which [compilation]
was, that individuals who are but beginners and sucklings among those ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /a treatise on faith and 2.htm

Sucklings (18 Occurrences)
...Sucklings (18 Occurrences). ... And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out
of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? ...
/s/sucklings.htm - 11k

Suckling (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword,
both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep ...
/s/suckling.htm - 12k

Infants (71 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he smote with the edge of the sword,
both men and women, infants and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep ...
/i/infants.htm - 28k

Yea (867 Occurrences)
... And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes
and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (KJV ASV DBY). ...
/y/yea.htm - 37k

Out-places (22 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Nahum 3:10 Even she doth become an exile, She hath gone into captivity, Even
her sucklings are dashed to pieces At the top of all out-places, And for her ...
/o/out-places.htm - 13k

Infant (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he smote with the edge of the sword,
both men and women, infants and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep ...
/i/infant.htm - 12k

Founded (42 Occurrences)
... Psalms 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength,
Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the ...
/f/founded.htm - 18k

Fortresses (45 Occurrences)
... thou dost to the sons of Israel -- their fenced places thou dost send into fire,
and their young men with sword thou dost slay, and their sucklings thou dost ...
/f/fortresses.htm - 19k

Exactors (8 Occurrences)
... and to-day?' (YLT). Isaiah 3:12 My people -- its exactors 'are' sucklings,
And women have ruled over it. My people -- thy eulogists ...
/e/exactors.htm - 9k

Eulogists (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eulogists (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:12 My people --
its exactors 'are' sucklings, And women have ruled over it. ...
/e/eulogists.htm - 6k

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