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Growing grapes was one of the vital occupations of the Mediterranean region. Large clusters weighing about five kilograms or approximately 12 pounds grew in abundance (Num. 13: 23). The vines were sometimes allowed to grow freely along the ground and at other times they were trellised or they grew up trees. Terraced planting on hillsides yielded a good crop. Watchmen tended the valuable plants and it was common for them to dwell in a summer house sometimes called a booth. They watched over the vines from a tower (Matt. 21:33).
Genesis 9: 20 tells us that grapes were cultivated in Noah's day. This is the first mention of them in the Bible. He was able to begin his vineyard soon after leaving the Ark.
Egyptian grapes apparently were small (Num. 13: 23-26). The grapes of Eschol were much larger than the grapes the Israelites were used to seeing while captive.
Song of Solomon 2:15 refers to hedges or fences to protect animals. Robbers were likely a problem also. Vinedressers were hired to care for the vines. This included yearly pruning (Lev. 25:3; Isa. 61:5). Grapes were gathered during September and October according to Judges 9:27 and Isa. 16:5. The very best grapes were dried or eaten fresh and the others were put into presses to extract the juice (Isa. 61: 5; Hos. 9:2-4).
Grapes were abundantly cultivated in Egypt as is evident from the frequent representations on the monuments, as well as from the scriptural allusions (Smith's Bible Dictionary and Gen. 40:9-11; Ps. 78:47). Vines of Palestine were celebrated both for luxuriant growth and for the immense clusters. These were sometimes carried on a staff between two men, as in the case of the spies, (Num. 13:23).
"Special mention is made in the Bible of the vines of Esheol, Num. 13:24; 32:9, of Sibmah, Heshbon, and Elealeh, Isa. 16:8, 9, 10; Jer. 48:32, and of Engedi. Song 1:14. From the abundance and excellence of the vines, it may readily be understood how frequently this plant is the subject of metaphor in the Holy Scriptures" (Smith). Dwelling under the vine or fig tree is emblematic of domestic happiness, note 1 Kings 4: 25, Ps. 128: 3; Micah 4: 4. Israel in its times of rebellion was compared to wild grapes and the empty vine (Isa. 5: 2,4; Jer. 2:21; Hos. 10: 1). The Lord uses the vine to illustrate the spiritual union between himself and his followers. This is reported in John 15:1-6. The fruit of the vine symbolized Jesus' shed blood (Matt. 26:27-29). He also used the vineyard in many of His parables (Matt. 9:17; 20:1-6; 21:28-32; Luke 13:6-9). Jer. 25 tells of grape gatherers and their "shouts of joy" during harvest. This was a festive time and the people lived among the vineyards in lodges and tents. See also Judges 9: 27; Isa. 16:10; Jer. 25:30; Jer. 6:9, 31: 5; Amos 9: 13; Ps. 80: 13; Num. 22: 24; Neh. 4: 3; Song of Solomon 2:15; Ezekiel 13: 4,5; Matt. 21: 33; Isa. 1: 8; Isa. 5: 2; Matt. 21: 33; Isa. 5:2.
Micah 4:3-4 (KJV) And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong
nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their
spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more. .... But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
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