Fragile Fruitfulness
Israel is a vine, transplanted from Egypt (Psalm 80; Isaiah 5). She exists to produce wine that gladdens the hearts of men. Israel is the Dionysian people.
Ezekiel brings out another dimension of the vine image: “Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than any wood of a branch that is among the trees of the forest? Can wood be taken from it to make anything, or can men take a peg from it on which to hang any vessel?” (Ezekiel 15:2-3).
The answer is No. Branches from the vine is useless, except as the structure that supports the production of grapes.
If vine wood is useless in itself, then what happens when it's been burned in the fire? Ezekiel states the obvious: “While it is intact, it is not made into anything. How much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is charred, can it be made into anything!” (Ezekiel 15:5).
Israel produces the wine of joy, and it is good for nothing else.
In this interplay of fragility and fruitfulness is the secret of the people of God.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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