Definition: Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
Explanation:
Okay, let's break down this passage from Deuteronomy 32:14. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic description of a very important covenant – a promise made between God and humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea: A Covenant of Blessing & Protection
This verse describes a
unique and incredibly precious gift
– something that represents a truly exceptional relationship with God. It's not just about being
liked
; it’s about being
protected
and
blessed
. Think of it as a special, shimmering treasure.
Let's unpack the details:
"Butter of kine, and milk of sheep..."
: This compares the gift to something luxurious and valuable – like butter (a good quality dairy product) and milk (a nourishing liquid). It suggests something that is truly desirable.
"...with fat of lambs..."
: Lambs are symbols of innocence, purity, and new beginnings. The "fat" here represents a blessing, a gift of goodness and protection.
"...and rams of the breed of Bashan..."
: “Bashan” refers to the region of Israel (modern-day Lebanon). ‘Rams’ are symbolic of strength, leadership, and purity - qualities associated with God's people. The 'breed of Bashan' emphasizes that this is a specific, exceptional type of animal – one that's been carefully chosen and blessed by God.
"...and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat..."
: This is where it gets really symbolic. "Kidneys" are a valuable part of a goat’s body, representing something precious and enduring – like wisdom or strength. The “fat of wheat” represents prosperity and abundance.
"...and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape."
: This is the most striking part. “Blood” isn't meant literally; it symbolizes a
sacred
offering, a cleansing and renewal. The "pure blood" signifies that this gift was given freely, without compromise or corruption. It represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and a powerful blessing.
Overall Meaning - A Covenant of Protection & Divine Favor
The whole verse is essentially saying:
“You have received a truly extraordinary and precious gift – a blessing beyond measure. This is a covenant between God and you, guaranteeing your safety, prosperity, and protection. You are blessed with something unparalleled.”
Why is this important?
Deuteronomy 32 describes a covenant that's designed to be
eternal
. It’s not just about the immediate benefits; it’s about a relationship that will last forever, offering ongoing blessings and security.
---
To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me:
What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Do you want a simpler explanation of a particular part of the verse?)
Are there any specific aspects of the imagery that you'd like me to elaborate on?