Topical Bible: Rocks: Bees often Made Their Honey Amongst

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In biblical times, the land of Israel was often described as a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), a phrase that underscores the abundance and fertility of the region. Honey, a symbol of prosperity and divine blessing, was a significant part of the diet and economy. The mention of honey in the Bible often alludes to both cultivated honey from beekeeping and wild honey found in nature, particularly in rocky areas.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 32:13 : "He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the produce of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag." This verse poetically describes God's provision for Israel, highlighting the miraculous sustenance found even in the most unlikely places, such as honey from the rock. The imagery suggests that God's blessings can be found in the most rugged and barren terrains, symbolizing His ability to provide abundantly.

2. Psalm 81:16 : "But I would feed you with the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Here, the psalmist speaks of God's desire to bless His people with the best of provisions. The mention of "honey from the rock" serves as a metaphor for unexpected and rich blessings that come from God, emphasizing His generosity and care.

3. 1 Samuel 14:25-27 : "And all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. When they entered the forest, they saw the honey oozing out; yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the troops with the oath. So he reached out with the end of the staff that was in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened." This passage recounts an incident during King Saul's reign, where his son Jonathan finds honey in the forest. The honey, likely from wild bees, is described as being abundant and accessible, illustrating the natural provision found in the land.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, wild bees often made their hives in the crevices of rocks and cliffs. The rugged terrain of the region provided ideal conditions for bees to thrive, with numerous rocky outcrops and caves offering protection and seclusion. The presence of wild honey in these areas was a testament to the land's richness and God's providence.

The collection of wild honey was a common practice, and it was considered a valuable resource. Honey was used not only as a sweetener but also for medicinal purposes and in religious offerings. The imagery of honey from the rock in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's unexpected and bountiful provision, even in the most desolate and challenging environments.

Theological Significance:

The recurring theme of "honey from the rock" in Scripture highlights the miraculous and gracious nature of God's provision. It serves as a reminder of His ability to bring forth sweetness and sustenance from the most unlikely sources. This imagery encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to recognize His hand in the blessings that come from unexpected places.

In a spiritual sense, the concept of honey from the rock can also be seen as a metaphor for the sweetness and nourishment found in God's Word and presence. Just as honey is a source of physical sustenance, so too is the divine wisdom and guidance found in Scripture a source of spiritual nourishment for the believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 81:16
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Revival Sermon
... the land was so fruitful, that the bees who sucked ... saw fountains of red wine streaming
from rocks, or gushing ... I believe that the Church has often been plagued ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a revival sermon.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Near Yakhmur some detached rocks appear to have been ... stone weapons and implements,
besides pottery, often elegant in ... land is the delight of bees, which produce ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Moody's Stories
... he looked down, and there, upon the rocks and briars ... are almost like Siamese
twins"they go together so often. ... near Mount Hermon school I heard bees, and asked ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... A nest of bees and honey did Samson find, even in ... shew we have grace, and that we
are made to bear ... I have often thought that the best Christians are found in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... times, he is called by no name so often as this ... the Lord Jesus was he that first
made this name ... saints, and that taught them, both in their discourses, their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm