(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. (1 Peter 2:2) and particularly as contrasted with meat, (1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 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, (32:14) of camels, (Genesis 32:15) and of goats, (Proverbs 27:27) was used; that latter appears to have been most highly prized. An animal secretion, of a white colour -- La 4:7. Used as food by the Jews -- Ge 18:8; Jdj 5:25. Different kinds mentioned Of cows. -- De 32:14; 1Sa 6:7. Of camels. -- Ge 32:15. Of goats. -- Pr 27:27. Of sheep. -- De 32:14. Of sea-monsters. -- La 4:3. Flocks and herds fed for supply of -- Pr 27:23,27; Isa 7:21,22; 1Co 9:7. Canaan abounded with -- Ex 3:8,17; Jos 5:6. Made into Butter. -- Pr 30:33. Cheese. -- Job 10:10. Kept by the Jews in bottles -- Jdj 4:19. Young animals not to be seethed in that of the mother -- Ex 23:19. Illustrative of Temporal blessings. -- Ge 49:12. Blessings of the gospel. -- Isa 55:1; Joe 3:18. First principles of God's word. -- 1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12; 1Pe 2:2. Godly and edifying discourses. -- Song 4:11. Wealth of the Gentiles. -- Isa 60:16. Doctrines of the gospel. -- Song 5:1.
Milk