Grape
Summary
The fruit of the vine, one of the most important agricultural products of ancient Israel, used for food, wine, and rich in symbolic meaning throughout Scripture.
☩Cultivation in Palestine
The grape was one of the characteristic products of the Promised Land, along with wheat, barley, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. The spies sent by Moses brought back a cluster of grapes from the valley of Eshcol so large that two men carried it on a pole between them. Vineyards covered the hillsides of Palestine, and the vintage was a time of great rejoicing.
☩Uses of the Grape
Grapes were eaten fresh, dried as raisins, pressed for juice, and fermented into wine. Raisin cakes were a popular food, and 'grape honey' (dibs) was made by boiling down the juice. The grape harvest was one of the major agricultural events of the year, celebrated with music and songs in the vineyards. Laws protected the poor by allowing them to glean what the harvesters left behind.
☩Symbolic Significance
The vine and its fruit carry rich symbolism throughout Scripture. Israel is often pictured as God's vineyard, planted and tended by Him but failing to produce good fruit. Jesus declared Himself the true vine and His disciples the branches that must abide in Him to bear fruit. The wine of the grape became the symbol of His blood in the Lord's Supper.
Related Verses63 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Grape," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Vine," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Vine, Vineyard," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Grape," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).