He made him ride on the high places of the earth. He ate the increase of the field. He caused him to suck honey out of the rock, oil out of the flinty rock;
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 13. High land, in a place of safety, both against the enemy, and the inundations of water. The Nile renders Egypt like one continued sea for about 80 days, in the summer season. Calmet.—God had already begun to put the Israelites in possession of the fertile countries east of the Jordan, where there were several high mountains. Bible.—But when this canticle should be recited, in after ages, they would also enjoy the other regions, which had been promised unto them, on the west. Moses speaks, like a prophet, of things to come, as if they were already past. Menochius.—Stone. Bees make honey in such places, and olive trees flourish on the side of a hill. Vestiges still remain of the industry with which the Jews have formerly cultivated their territory, supporting the earth with walls ( Calmet.) when it was in danger of falling down, or of becoming barren, for want of moisture. Bible.