Deuteronomy 20:6
And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrasing "hath not enjoyed its fruit" points beyond simply not having tasted a grape. It refers to a specific legal and ritual status of the vineyard, where the fruit was consecrated or kept separate until the fifth year, meaning the planter hadn't yet brought it into common, personal use. This exemption highlights God's care for the fruits of labor, ensuring people could enjoy what they invested in, especially during Israel's early settlement.
As the Israelites prepare for holy war, God institutes a policy of exemption for soldiers who haven't yet enjoyed the fruits of their labor. This includes men who've built new houses but haven't lived in them or planted vineyards but haven't tasted their fruit. The reasoning is that these men should have the chance to enjoy what they've worked hard to establish, lest they perish in battle and someone else reaps the reward.
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something – a garden, a business, a dream – only to have it taken away before you ever see the payoff. God understood this deep human need.
This verse highlights a fundamental principle: people are motivated when they have the hope of enjoying the fruits of their labor.
God's Consideration for Investment
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God’s commands weren't just about rules; they were designed to foster a thriving community where individual contributions were valued and protected.
The exemption granted to the vineyard planter (and house builder, and newlywed) served a dual purpose: protecting the individual's earned right and strengthening the community as a whole.
Ensuring Personal Stake
Building a Stable Society
Understand the original words
kerem · Hebrew Noun
A place where vines are grown for the production of wine; in the Bible, it frequently serves as a symbol of Israel as God's people or as a place of cultivation, fruitfulness, and covenant blessing.
This passage explains the law regarding the fruit of new trees, including vineyards, specifying that the fruit was considered 'uncircumcised' and not to be eaten for the first three years, and the fourth year's fruit was consecrated to the Lord, directly informing the 'not yet eaten of it' clause in Deuteronomy.
Psalm 104:13This psalm beautifully describes God watering the hills and bringing forth fruit from the earth, connecting to the idea of God's provision and the natural cycle of growth that makes planting a vineyard a hopeful and fruitful endeavor.
Isaiah 5:1-7This prophetic passage uses the imagery of a vineyard and its expected fruit to illustrate God's relationship with Israel, highlighting the deep personal investment and righteous expectation that parallels the farmer's care for his vineyard.
1 Corinthians 9:7Paul uses rhetorical questions about soldiers not fighting at their own expense or farmers not tending flocks without pay, drawing a parallel to the laborer deserving his wages, which echoes the principle that those who invest effort should reap the reward.
Jeremiah 31:5This verse speaks of those who will plant vineyards in the mountains of Samaria, painting a picture of future restoration and peace where people can invest in the land and enjoy its produce, contrasting with the potential loss described in Deuteronomy.
calvinDeuteronomy 20:5-8: "And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it."
And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
Quum bellandum erit, alloquent…
pooleDeuteronomy 20:6: "And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it."
This and the former dispensation were generally convenient, but more necessary in the beginning of their settlement in Canaan, for the encouragement of those who should build houses or plant vineyards, which was chargeable to them, and beneficial to the commonwealth. Eaten of it, Heb. made it common ,…
The phrasing "hath not enjoyed its fruit" points beyond simply not having tasted a grape. It refers to a specific legal and ritual status of the vineyard, where the fruit was consecrated or kept separate until the fifth year, meaning the planter hadn't yet brought it into common, personal use. This exemption highlights God's care for the fruits of labor, ensuring people could enjoy what they invested in, especially during Israel's early settlement.
As the Israelites prepare for holy war, God institutes a policy of exemption for soldiers who haven't yet enjoyed the fruits of their labor. This includes men who've built new houses but haven't lived in them or planted vineyards but haven't tasted their fruit. The reasoning is that these men should have the chance to enjoy what they've worked hard to establish, lest they perish in battle and someone else reaps the reward.
As the Israelites prepare for holy war, God institutes a policy of exemption for soldiers who haven't yet enjoyed the fruits of their labor. This includes men who've built new houses but haven't lived in them or planted vineyards but haven't tasted their fruit. The reasoning is that these men should have the chance to enjoy what they've worked hard to establish, lest they perish in battle and someone else reaps the reward.
"And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit." — The phrasing "hath not enjoyed its fruit" points beyond simply not having tasted a grape. It refers to a specific legal and ritual status of the vineyard, where the fruit was consecrated or kept sepa…
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