This chapter contains a song (vv. 1–7), a lament (vv. 8–23), and a judgment (vv. 24–30).
The nation of Israel is the vineyard for which God did so much (Matt. 21:33–46). The people’s sin was ingratitude, taking their blessings for granted and using them selfishly. Instead of serving the Lord, they served themselves, and the result was a corrupted nation.
The lament names some specific sins of the nation (“wild grapes” [v. 2]), sins that people still commit today. The rich stole from the poor (vv. 8–10), and people lived for sensual pleasure rather than godly enrichment (vv. 11–17). Confident of their own wisdom (v. 21), they questioned God’s counsel (vv. 18–19) and for a price changed His words (vv. 20–23). There was no justice in the land because evil leaders turned from the truth of God’s Word.
God was angry; His hand of judgment was stretched out against His people (v. 25; 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4; 14:27). Judgment comes like a prairie fire (v. 24) when the invading army conquers the land (vv. 26–30).
Today, He stretches out His hands in love, inviting sinners to repent (Isa. 65:2; Rom. 10:21); but tomorrow, He will stretch them out in wrath.
Significant Vines
There are three symbolic vines in Scripture. The past vine is Israel (Ps. 80; Isa. 3:14; 5:1–7; Jer. 2:21; 12:10; Ezek. 15; Hos. 10:1). The present vine is Christ and His church (John 15). The future vine is “the vine of the earth,” the corrupt world system of the last days that is destined for judgment (Rev. 14:14–20).
