milk Summary and Overview

(1.) Hebrew halabh, "new milk", milk in its fresh state (Judg. 4:19). It is frequently mentioned in connection with honey (Ex. 3:8; 13:5; Josh. 5:6; Isa. 7:15, 22; Jer. 11:5). Sheep (Deut. 32:14) and goats (Prov. 27:27) and camels (Gen. 32:15), as well as cows, are made to give their milk for the use of man. Milk is used figuratively as a sign of abundance (Gen. 49:12; Ezek. 25:4; Joel 3:18). It is also a symbol of the rudiments of doctrine (1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12, 13), and of the unadulterated word of God (1 Pet. 2:2). (2.) Heb. hem'ah, always rendered "butter" in the Authorized Version. It means "butter," but also more frequently "cream," or perhaps, as some think, "curdled milk," such as that which Abraham set before the angels (Gen. 18:8), and which Jael gave to Sisera (Judg. 5:25). In this state milk was used by travellers (2 Sam. 17:29). If kept long enough, it acquired a slightly intoxicating or soporific power. This Hebrew word is also sometimes used for milk in general (Deut. 32:14; Job 20:17).

As an article of diet, milk holds a more important position in eastern countries than with us. It is not a mere adjunct in cookery, or restricted to the use of the young, although it is naturally the characteristic food of childhood, both from its simple and nutritive qualities. #1Pe 2:2| and particularly as contrasted with meat, #1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12| but beyond this it is regarded as substantial food adapted alike to all ages and classes. Not only the milk of cows, but of sheep, #De 32:14| of camels, #Ge 32:15| and of goats, #Pr 27:27| was used; that latter appears to have been most highly prized.

MILK , not only of cows, but also of camels, sheep, and goats, was used in Palestine, and is often spoken of in the O.T. Gen 32:15; Deut 32:14; Prov 27:27; Isa 7:21-22. The simplest spiritual food or the plain and easy truths of the gospel, wherewith the newborn soul is nourished and sustained, is compared to milk. Heb 5:12; 1 Pet 2:2. "A land flowing with milk and honey," Josh 5:6, means a country of extraordinary fertility. The phrase "wine and milk," Isa 55:1, denotes all spiritual blessings and privileges.

Children's food everywhere (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12). In the East a leading element in men's diet also. "A land flowing with milk" symbolizes abundance (Exodus 3:8; Deuteronomy 6:3). Chalab, "milk," means "fairness, fresh milk"; chemah is "milk coagulated", and is translated in KJV "butter"; rather leben, an Eastern preparation of milk (Judges 4:19; Judges 5:25). Emblem of gospel blessings (Isaiah 55:1). In Job 21:24 translated for "breasts" "his milk vessels (Lee: Umbreit, his watering places for his herds) are full of milk." Also Job 20:17; Job 29:6, "I washed my steps with butter," i.e. wherever I stepped the richest plenty flowed for me. Isaiah 60:16, "thou shalt suck the milk of the Gentiles," i.e. draw to thyself all their riches, or have them completely subject (Ezekiel 25:4). The milk of sheep, camels, goats, and cows was used (Deuteronomy 32:14; Genesis 32:15; Proverbs 27:27); "butter" in our sense occurs Proverbs 30:33. The leben; keeps for a considerable time, and so was suited to David's weary followers (2 Samuel 17:29). When the abundance of milk was due to the absence of tillage and of men to cultivate the lands, it was predicted as a scourge consequent on hostile invasion (Isaiah 7:22). Still offered in hospitality to the passing stranger, as by Abraham, Genesis 18:8.