Isaiah 5:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

'And I built a tower in the midst of it, and dug a furnace in it.' Some interpret this to mean the temple and the 'furnace' as the altar, where the fruits of people's virtues, offerings, and sacrifices are gathered; however, I reiterate that attention should be given to the purpose of the metaphor. Through all this, He conveys: I have fulfilled every requirement on My part and extended every form of care. I have not burdened them with excessive tasks, nor have I wearied them with toil, nor have I forced them to build, dig, or plant; instead, I have provided them with a fully prepared estate. Furthermore, I have not limited My involvement to just this but have also 'expected it to yield good bunches' (waited for it to produce grapes), and I have patiently awaited the right time for fruitfulness; this is what is implied by the term 'waited.' 'And he brought forth wild berries' (and produced thorns) signifies a life marked by sterility and obstinacy. What forgiveness can be granted to those who, after such meticulous care, yield such disappointing fruits to the landowner?

The quality of the vine is highlighted by the choice selection of Sorek, indicating both the type and name of a beautiful, fruitful vine. God declares, "And I will make a pillar in the midst of it," and indeed, a special chamber was constructed in Jerusalem, where the revered temple stood as a tower and dwelling for the Lord, complete with an altar and a treasury for offerings from visitors. Yet, despite having equipped the vineyard thoroughly, the Lord expected it to yield clusters of grapes; instead, it produced thorns. Thus, the anticipated harvest was thwarted: Israel was misled, yielding thorns instead of the desired fruit. The people had become keepers of the Law, yet failed to bear the fruits of righteousness. They strayed from the Law and instead produced thorns—representing actions that harm themselves and others. Our sins offend God, and what we deem thorns reveal a bitter spirit to Him. As the Apostle Paul says: "The earth that drinks in the rain which often falls on it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God" (Hebrews 6:7). But that which produces thorns is worthless and nears a curse, destined for destruction.

These grapes are not just any variety; they are of 'Sorich,' which Simmachus interprets as 'chosen.' Thus, what does this fencing signify but the commandments given by God to His people prior to entering their promised inheritance (Leviticus 25:24)? At that time, God empowered them to triumph over their adversaries and to eradicate the nations that previously inhabited the land. The Prophet referred to this as ditches, for it elevated them and glorified their fruits, safeguarding them from falling or being accessible to all. Following this, the planting of the 'elect' occurs, originating from the lineage of God’s chosen ones—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The 'pillar' established 'in the midst' clearly signifies the temple built in Judah, and the 'forerunner' symbolizes the very Synagogue of the Jews; in a more profound sense, the Church of God, which comprises individuals gathered from every corner. The Psalmist even sings praises about these 'forerunners' (Psalm 8 and 80); thus, the 'forerunner' stands for both the Synagogue and the Church of God. This ‘pre-church’ serves as a preparation through the law and as initial teaching in piety. In leading towards unity, it acts as a shaping force; and when it readies the way for perfection, it becomes a precursor to refinement. “And I waited, that it might produce a bunch, and produce thorns.” When planting the chosen vine with such meticulous care, one would naturally expect sweet fruit, for the offspring of Abraham are anticipated to reflect the deeds of Abraham (John 8:39). Yet instead of the anticipated produce, there come thorns, meaning that rather than offering comfort and encouragement, He stands ready to wound, distress, and bleed those who approach. Which of the prophets did they not slay, as recounted in the Gospel parable (Matthew 21:35)? They are not only rebuked for producing thorns but also for having abandoned their devotion to God, choosing instead a life of indulgence and allowing worldly distractions to suffocate their spirits like thorns. Just as thorns do not yield bunches, so the vine fails to bear thorns. Hence, the Lord inquires, “Do thorns bring forth thorns?” (Matthew 7:16). However, the Jews yield thorns rather than bunches.

He then constructed a tower in the midst of it, representing a temple located at the heart of the city, where He also established a furnace which some interpret as an altar. Just like various grapes are brought to the winepress to be crushed underfoot for juice, the altar receives the offerings of the people, consuming the sacrificed lives, akin to what we read regarding Benjamin, whose tribe housed the temple and altar: Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours his prey, and at evening he divides the plunder (Genesis 49:27).

The description of the vineyard can be likened to the condition of the human soul, which, having been planted by God for fruitful purposes, bore wild grapes instead of good fruit. As a result, it was left to be trampled by wild beasts and failed to receive the divine nourishment of teachings, neglecting its previous gifts. I had hoped for an abundant harvest of good fruit, yet it yielded wild grapes. Instead of the term wild grapes, the Hebrew text uses busim, which Aquila translated as σαπρίας, meaning unsuitable fruit; Simmachus rendered it as άτελή, or imperfect; while both the LXX and Theodotion referred to the thorns with which the Lord was crowned.

When the time came for gathering grapes, the expectation was for bountiful good fruit, as indicated in the headings of the eighth and eighty-third Psalms. Instead, overwhelmed by the worries and evils of this world—which the Gospel refers to as thorns (Mark 4:12, Mark 4:19)—they produced thorny blasphemies. I believe it is more appropriate to interpret busim as wild grapes to maintain consistency with the metaphor. Hence, the Savior also states in the Gospel, “You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes?” (Matthew 7:16).

Similarly, a wall encases a home: when a fence is present, the house remains protected. It is rightly said: "I will take away the fence from the vineyard, and it will be desolate" (Isaiah 5:5).

Therefore, let us beseech that the fence of our spiritual dwelling (1 Peter 2:5), which resides within us, can only be constructed by the living God, who proclaimed: "And I have put a fence around it." Those who breach this barrier have forfeited their salvation. Let this fence remain; let this wall endure! Are you curious about the significance of this fence? Safeguard your ears with thorns and brambles and refrain from listening to the speech of the wicked (Sirach 28:28); this hedge will shield you from sin.

In His incarnation, the Lord Jesus restored the fortifications of this wall and directed us back to the works of our ancestors and the original simplicity of faith. Thus, the prophet articulated concerning Him: "They will call You the rebuilder of the fence" (Isaiah 58:12).

For a year and then another, I have waited for My garden to produce a harvest, the fruit of righteousness; I have sought to witness repentance and the transformation of My follower. But alas! My vine brings forth nothing but barrenness, wild and laden with thorns. It is hardened in iniquity, wrapped in sin: 'Expect clusters of grapes, yet they yield thorns.' In full - see the comment on Gen. 19:17.

Indeed, this people is likened to a cherished vine, chosen from among all nations to enter into a sacred covenant with God, tasked with upholding true reverence for Him. The surrounding fence represents the Lord’s safeguarding of His people, reflecting the commands at Sinai that served as a protective barrier for Israel against mingling with other nations and harmful pagan practices. The watchtower signifies the oversight of Israel by their leaders—judges, kings, priests, Levites, and prophets—appointed by the Lord to shepherd His people, guarding them against wrongdoing and immorality through their authority and moral guidance. The altar, along with its sacrificial components, represents the place of offerings. The grape juice flowing from the winepress corresponds to the blood sacrifices made to atone for the Lord’s favor. The entire arrangement was established by the Lord so that His vineyard, carefully tended, might yield good fruit, allowing His chosen people to please Him with their faith, devotion, and virtuous actions. However, in vain He anticipated such fruits. The Lord said, “What more was there to do for My vineyard that I have not done in it?” Instead of producing delightful grapes, they bore fruit akin to thorns, yielding a painful sensation instead of satisfaction. This signifies that, despite the Lord’s nurturing care, His chosen people responded with bitter ingratitude, causing Him displeasure through their wickedness and iniquity.