THE  V I N E                                                                                                                                                                                       Sept. 1998 BPL/RML

Gen. 49:1.   Jacob's Prophecy re. Israel etc., in the last days i.e. into first and second

                    Advent of Messiah.

Gen. 49:10  Speaks of Judah's privilege (scepter) (Ruler) that shall come from his

                    seed (in the flesh line) who is Messiah (Christ), and prophesies to

                    obedient submission of HIS people (the true Israel) (the new wine).

Gen. 49:11 Shows the Messiah linking to the "vine", by unbreakable bonds.  The

       reference to the two steeds, "foal", and "asses colt", are fulfilled in Matt.

       21, and Mark: 11., and in both, Messiah immediately enters the Temple.

       This indicates that "the choice vine" (V.11), is different to the "vine",

       and corresponds to the yet future true Israel, which is linked truthfully

       and sincerely to Jehovah and the yet future Temple in Jerusalem which

       is ¹/₇  larger in all dimensions than Solomon's Temple etc.  This yet future

       Israel promises the "new wine", Christ mentions (Matt. 9).  The ¹/₇

          increase in Temple dimension (Ezk. 40), represents the No. 7, which in

       Scripture denotes "spiritual perfection", and is a hall-mark of the Holy

       Spirit's work.  7 also points to 8, which denotes  resurrection and

       regeneration.  The "new wine" therefore is produced by the true Israel

       (Christ-Messiah); the remnant of the  Tribulation and the resurrected

       righteous Israel, (Ezk 37) together continue the true fruiting to

       themselves, and the nations; within Christ's influence, linked to Jehovah

       via. sincere allegiance through New Temple worship, (Ezekiel).

Psalm         This verse is a clear reference to the Exodus.  The only qualification to        

80:8.           be included in the Exodus, was to be passed over by the angel of death.

                   The only way the angel could pass over was where the lintel of the entry

                   door was sprinkled with the blood of a pure white lamb.  This was the

                   order of Jehovah through Moses, and was a SPIRITUAL command. 

                   Therefore every Jew that obeyed was by definition in spiritual obedience,

                   and was a part of "the noble vine" (Jer. 2:21).  Therefore where ever the

                   vine is used in description of Israel it often refers to their spiritual status

                   before Jehovah.

Jer.2:21     Jehovah had planted (initiated) a noble vine at the Exodus, as shown

                   above.  The noble vine had become ignoble by deliberate sin (rejecting

       Jehovah's law) and Jehovah Himself.  Christ when on earth "came to His

                   own", but they would not receive Him.  Had they done so, as they yet

       will, He "as the true vine" (Jn. 15:1), would have produced "new wine",

                   which is yet future.

Conclusion:  

When Scripture refers to the vine as a metaphor as opposed to the fruit plant, it is often referring to original Israel (i.e. from Abraham to Ezk.11:23), to Christ (Messiah) in His yet future role, and to Messiah/Christ linked to the yet future Israel, made up of "the remnant", and "the resurrected".  From the foregoing, it is seen that the "noble vine" of Jer. 21, did not carry out the commission given to it by Jehovah.  (The title Jehovah is only correctly used in Israel's covenant relationship with Elohim).

The "True Vine" John 15; will eventually complete the commission given to the "noble vine", at which time the many prophecies concerning Israel will be fulfilled.