Isaiah 5:1-7 God’s people receive judgment for evil fruit. Confidence in violence and bloodshed leads to
judgment. In the Old Testament reading, God’s judgment upon His people is shown
for their failure to produce proper fruit.
The prophet sings a love song to God regarding God’s
vineyard, his people. God is his “beloved.” God loves His people. Proof of this
love is that God’s vineyard, His possession, is His people. Out of love, God
accepts and owns His people. And look what God has done for His people! He has
placed a vineyard on a fertile hill. He dug the ground, cleared away the
stones, and planted it with the best vines. Then He built a watchtower and a
wine vat.
God is love and He deals lovingly with His people:
claiming them as His own, and providing for them by giving them the best of
everything to be fruitful.
Israel’s injustice is particularized. The “bloodshed” refers to abusive practices
that bleed the poor to death. The “cry”
refers to their anguished response. These actions are “wild grapes” (detailed in 5:8, 11-12, 18-24). Notably, these texts
link abuse of the neighbor to the neglect of God’s word and deed (see 5:12,
24).
This text may be profitably linked to New Testament
texts that use agricultural images. An example: Jesus’ discourse regarding the
vine and its branches, with expectations to bear fruit, and removing and
burning those who do not (John 15:1-17).
See also the parable of the wicked tenants the Gospel
lesson for this coming Sunday (Matthew 21:33-44).
O God, whose
almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity, grant us the
fullness of Your grace that we may be partakers of Your heavenly treasures.[1]
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