Bees are incredible creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem. Did you know they are also mentioned in the Bible? Let’s take a look at what Scripture says about bees and what lessons we can learn from these tiny but mighty creatures.
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What Does The Bible Say About bees
Making honey, one of the remarkable wonders of nature, bees are mentioned throughout the Bible in different contexts. Here are 25 Bible verses that mention bees and their significance, along with a commentary on each verse.
Exodus 3:17
“I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.”
This verse highlights the association of bees with abundance and richness. God promises the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey, symbolizing prosperity and blessings.
Personally, I have witnessed the incredible work ethic of bees and how their diligence in making honey correlates with the abundance they produce. It reminds me of the rewards that come with hard work and perseverance.
Deuteronomy 1:44
“The Amorites came out against you like bees and chased you, and scattered you from Seir to Hormah.”
In this context, bees represent a formidable force. The Amorites were compared to bees, symbolizing their relentless pursuit and overwhelming attack against the Israelites.
Similarly, in our lives, we may face challenges or adversaries that seem insurmountable. However, just as bees can be fierce, we must remember that with God’s help, we can overcome any opposition that comes our way.
Psalm 118:12
“They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down.”
In this verse, the image of bees represents enemies or adversaries surrounding the psalmist. However, the psalmist affirms that with the help of the Lord, those enemies were easily defeated.
We can draw strength from this verse and remember that no matter how many challenges surround us, God is our protector and will help us overcome every obstacle in our path.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse utilizes the sweetness and healing properties of honey as a metaphor for the impact of kind and gentle words. Just as honey brings delight and healing, our words can have a profound effect on others.
It serves as a reminder to use our speech wisely, uplifting and encouraging others with our words, rather than tearing them down. God can work through our words to bring comfort and healing to those around us.
Isaiah 7:18
“In that day, the LORD will whistle for flies from the Nile delta in Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria.”
In this verse, the Lord is depicted as summoning bees as an instrument of judgment. It portrays God’s ability to utilize various means to accomplish His purposes.
It is a sobering reminder that God is sovereign and can bring about both blessings and consequences using even the smallest or most unexpected elements of creation.
Psalm 19:10
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”
This verse draws a parallel between the value of God’s Word and the sweetness of honey. The psalmist declares the inherent worth and delight found in God’s commandments and teachings.
Personally, I have found immense joy and guidance in studying and reflecting on Scripture. It reminds me of the sweetness of God’s truth and the valuable insights it brings to my life.
1 Samuel 14:25-27
“Now the entire army entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. When they went into 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 make the army take an oath; he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.”
This passage tells the story of Jonathan, who, despite the oath taken by the army not to eat until evening, tasted the honey from the honeycomb. His act of seeking sustenance through the honey exemplifies his courage and initiative.
It reminds us that sometimes, to experience the sweetness of life and uncover hidden blessings, we must step out in faith and explore the possibilities that lie before us.
Psalm 81:16
“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock, I would satisfy you.”
God promises His people satisfaction and provision, symbolized here by honey from the rock. This metaphor illustrates God’s ability to provide in unexpected ways, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.
It encourages us to trust in God’s provision, knowing that He can bring forth sweetness and sustenance from the most barren situations.
Proverbs 5:3
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil.”
Here, honey is used as a symbol of deceptive and enticing words. It warns against the temptation and allure of immoral paths propagated through manipulative speech.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to be discerning in our interactions and to be wary of those who use honeyed words to deceive and lead us astray.
Matthew 3:4
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
John the Baptist, known for his rugged lifestyle, subsisted on a diet that included wild honey. It reveals his simplicity and detachment from worldly comforts.
This verse teaches us about the value of contentment and the importance of focusing on the essentials rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material possessions.
Deuteronomy 32:13
“He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock and with oil from the flinty crag.”
God’s provision and care for His people are depicted metaphorically in this verse. His provision is likened to nourishing honey from the rock, emphasizing His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer.
As we encounter challenging times, this verse reminds us to trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He will provide for our needs even in the most unlikely circumstances.
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
The psalmist expresses deep delight in God’s Word, comparing it to the sweetness of honey. This verse conveys the joy and satisfaction found in studying and meditating on Scripture.
Personally, I have experienced the transformative power of God’s Word in my life. His truth brings clarity, comfort, and guidance, imparting a greater understanding of His love and purposes.
Proverbs 24:13-14
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
In this verse, honey is used as a metaphor for wisdom. Just as honey is delightful and good for physical nourishment, wisdom provides nourishment for the soul and brings hope for the future.
It encourages us to seek and cherish wisdom, knowing that it holds immense value and offers assurance for the journey ahead.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.”
In this verse, the wise counsel is given regarding the consumption of honey. It warns against excess and teaches the importance of moderation.
Applying this principle to our lives, it reminds us to exercise self-control and balance in all aspects, avoiding extremes that could lead to detrimental consequences.
Ezekiel 3:3
“Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So, I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”
In this vision, the scroll represents God’s Word. The sweetness experienced by consuming the scroll signifies the delight and satisfaction derived from receiving and internalizing God’s truth.
It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God’s Word and how it nourishes our souls when we engage with it and seek to live according to its precepts.
Psalm 119:127
“Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold,”
This verse emphasizes the psalmist’s deep love and appreciation for God’s commands, placing higher value on them than even the most precious of earthly treasures.
It encourages us to prioritize and cherish God’s instructions and teachings, recognizing their priceless worth and their potential to shape and enrich our lives.
Matthew 12:44
“Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order.”
Although bees are not specifically mentioned in this verse, it alludes to the concept of bees making a home in an empty space. The context here focuses on a returning unclean spirit.
It serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of maintaining our spiritual lives and ensuring that we are not left empty, vulnerable to negative influences or patterns.
Exodus 16:31
“The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.”
In this verse, the taste of manna, the supernatural bread provided to the Israelites in the wilderness, is likened to wafers made with honey. This description underscores the goodness and provision of God.
It reminds us that God’s provision transcends the ordinary, exceeding our expectations and bringing satisfaction and sustenance in ways we cannot comprehend.
Leviticus 2:11
“Every grain offering you bring to the LORD must be made without yeast, for you are not to burn any yeast or honey in a food offering presented to the LORD.”
In this context, honey is associated with yeast as symbols of fermentation and decay. The instruction to not include honey in a food offering reflects the need for purity and avoiding anything that might cause corruption.
It highlights the importance of offering our best to God, presenting ourselves without contamination or compromise as an act of reverence and devotion.
Job 20:17
“They will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream.”
In this verse, the abundance of honey is a metaphorical image of unattainable pleasure and prosperity. It describes the frustration or disappointment of those who pursue wealth and indulgence without finding satisfaction.
It reminds us that true fulfillment cannot be found solely in material possessions or worldly pleasures, but in seeking and aligning ourselves with God’s purposes.
1 John 2:27
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
Though not directly mentioning bees, this verse speaks of an anointing received from God that teaches all things. Bees play a significant role in pollination and the perpetuation of life, reflecting the divine teaching illustrated in this verse.
This verse encourages us to rely on the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which enlightens and guides us in understanding God’s truths. It urges us to remain in Him and His teachings, acknowledging the transformative power of His guidance in our lives.
Proverbs 27:7
“A satisfied person loathes honey, but to a hungry person any bitter thing is sweet.”
This verse highlights the principle that satisfaction breeds disdain for even the sweetest things, whereas hunger can make bitter substances seem appealing.
Reflecting on this verse reminds me of the importance of contentment and gratitude in our lives. It teaches us to appreciate the blessings we already have, rather than constantly seeking external fulfillment.
Revelation 10:10
“I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.”
In this apocalyptic context, consuming the scroll symbolizes understanding and internalizing divine revelation. Initially, the sweetness of the scroll represents the joy and enlightening nature of God’s truth.
However, the subsequent sourness portrays the weight and responsibility that comes with comprehending God’s plan and the challenges it may entail.
These Bible verses about bees provide glimpses into the multifaceted symbolism associated with these remarkable creatures. From representing abundance, wisdom, and sweetness to metaphorically illustrating judgment and deception, bees signify various aspects of our human experience. The profound lessons and truths interwoven in these verses remind us of God’s provision, His Word’s transformative power, and the importance of living in alignment with His principles.
As we observe the marvels of nature, such as bees, it prompts us to reflect on the intricate design and wisdom of our Creator. Just as the industriousness of bees impacts their surroundings, may we strive to live purposefully and diligently, drawing inspiration and guidance from the lessons embedded within these biblical metaphors. Let us value the sweetness and richness of God’s teachings, seeking to embody His love, wisdom, and provision in our daily lives.