Scripture Notes: The Rebellious Vineyard (Isaiah 5)

Through the prophet Isaiah, God sings to His covenant people Israel. He tells them how He planted a vineyard on a fertile hill. It was the best possible place for vines to grow and produce rich, delicious fruit. He did everything He could to make this vineyard perfect, digging it out, clearing away the stones, planting the choicest vines, building a watchtower, and hewing out a wine vat. Then He awaited the fruit. But what did He get? Wild grapes. Sour grapes that were no good for eating or wine-making.

The vineyard, of course, is Israel. God planted them in the Promised Land, clearing away obstacles that would threaten or distract them. He gave them His Law so they could flourish. He provided the Tabernacle and then the Temple where He could dwell with them in a special way. He even swore an oath to them, creating a covenant that made them His own people, His family. But what did Israel do? They broke that covenant. They sinned. They refused to follow God’s Law. They worshiped idols. They bore wild grapes.

God continues through Isaiah, “And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between Me and My vineyard. What more was there to do for My vineyard that I have not done in it?” The correct answer, of course, is “nothing.” God did everything possible for His people. The problem lies with them and their misuse of God’s gift of free will. They have chosen to sin.

And now they must face the consequences of that choice. God says that He will break down the wall of His vineyard and leave it to be trampled and destroyed. He will allow the people to experience the covenant curses that they have brought upon themselves by their rebellion. But God will never completely abandon His vineyard. He chastises His people, punishing them and correcting them, but He remains perfectly faithful. The rebellious vineyard, when it has learned to obey, will flourish and, by God’s grace, produce good fruit in the end.