Day 4 – Vines in the Old Testament

(Vitius Vinifera​​)

“After the flood, Noah began to cultivate the ground, and he planted a vineyard.” Genesis 9:20

The first mention of vines is what Noah planted after the flood. Not wheat, spelt, or barley for bread – but vines! Afterwards, it frequently occurs through the Old and New Testaments – symbolising God’s people.

Numbers 6:4 dictates the special vow of the Nazirite where a person bound by this vow is not allowed to eat or drink anything from the grapevine (not even the seeds or skin), setting them completely apart for the Lord in a special way. Samson was a Nazirite teaching us the importance of obedience, keeping a vow made to the Lord, and being set apart for a special purpose. Israel was set apart for a special purpose too.

The men sent out by Moses brought with them from the Valley of Eshcol a cluster of grapes so large that “they bare it between two upon a staff” – indicating the abundant fulfilment of God’s promise of their land. (Numbers 13:23). God showed them that, as a nation, they would flourish and grow as large as this cluster of grapes. But they feared the “what-if” and this disobedience caused a 40-year detour through the wilderness.

A nation that was once planted and chosen to be the vine of God’s glory, loved and protected by Him, succumbed to pride, stubbornness, idolatry, and continued disobedience. Later in Isaiah 5, they are described as wild vines only producing bitter grapes.

Prayer: Father, may we learn from Israel that we too are set apart by the blood of Jesus as a special possession and that we walk in obedience, humility, and God-fearing ways in awe of Your glory. May our fruit be sweet and beautiful for Your Kingdom and not bitter. Prune us where needed Lord with Your masterful guidance. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza