EGW WritingsIsaiah 5

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 65—How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine

1SM 410.1

John was called to do a special work; he was to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight His paths. The Lord did not send him to the school of the prophets and rabbis. He took him away from the assemblies of men to the desert, that he might learn of nature and nature’s God. God did not desire him to have the mold of the priests and rulers. He was called to do a special work. The Lord gave him his message. Did he go to the priests and rulers and ask if he might proclaim this message?—No, God put him away from them that he might not be influenced by their spirit and teaching. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 40:3-5). This is the very message that must be given to our people; we are near the end of time, and the message is, Clear the King’s highway; gather out the stones; raise up a standard for the people. The people must be awakened. It is no time now to cry peace and safety. We are exhorted to “cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 5:1).

The Great Controversy

Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem

GC 19.2

The Son of God Himself was sent to plead with the impenitent city. It was Christ that had brought Israel as a goodly vine out of Egypt. Psalm 80:8. His own hand had cast out the heathen before it. He had planted it “in a very fruitful hill.” His guardian care had hedged it about. His servants had been sent to nurture it. “What could have been done more to My vineyard,” He exclaims, “that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:1-4. Though when He looked that it should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild grapes, yet with a still yearning hope of fruitfulness He came in person to His vineyard, if haply it might be saved from destruction. He digged about His vine; He pruned and cherished it. He was unwearied in His efforts to save this vine of His own planting.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem

GC88 20.1

The Son of God himself was sent to plead with the impenitent city. It was Christ that had brought Israel as a goodly vine out of Egypt. [Psalm 80:8.] His own hand had cast out the heathen before it. He had planted it “in a very fruitful hill.” [Isaiah 5:1-4.] His guardian care had hedged it about. His servants had been sent to nurture it. “What could have been done more to my vineyard,” he exclaims, “that I have not done in it?” [Isaiah 5:1-4.] Though when he “looked that it should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild grapes,” [Isaiah 5:1-4.] yet with a still yearning hope of fruitfulness he came in person to his vineyard, if haply it might be saved from destruction. He digged about his vine; he pruned and cherished it. He was unwearied in his efforts to save this vine of his own planting.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 17—“Spare it this Year Also”

COL 214.2

Christ’s hearers could not misunderstand the application of His words. David had sung of Israel as the vine brought out of Egypt. Isaiah had written, “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant.” Isaiah 5:7. The generation to whom the Saviour had come were represented by the fig tree in the Lord’s vineyard—within the circle of His special care and blessing.

COL 214.3

God’s purpose toward His people, and the glorious possibilities before them, had been set forth in the beautiful words, “That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified,” Isaiah 61:3. The dying Jacob, under the Spirit of inspiration, had said of his best-loved son, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.” And he said, “The God of thy Father” “shall help thee,” the Almighty “shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under.” Genesis 49:22, 25. So God had planted Israel as a goodly vine by the wells of life. He had made His vineyard “in a very fruitful hill.” He had “fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine.” Isaiah 5:1, 2.

COL 215.1

“And He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.” Isaiah 5:2. The people of Christ’s day made a greater show of piety than did the Jews of earlier ages, but they were even more destitute of the sweet graces of the Spirit of God. The precious fruits of character that made the life of Joseph so fragrant and beautiful, were not manifest in the Jewish nation.

COL 218.1

With what unwearied love did Christ minister to Israel during the period of added probation. Upon the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. After His ascension the gospel was preached first at Jerusalem. There the Holy Spirit was poured out. There the first gospel church revealed the power of the risen Saviour. There Stephen—“his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15)—bore his testimony and laid down his life. All that heaven itself could give was bestowed. “What could have been done more to My vineyard,” Christ said, “that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4. So His care and labor for you are not lessened, but increased. Still He says, “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.” Isaiah 27:3.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 23—The Lord’s Vineyard

COL 284.3

A description of this vineyard is given by the prophet Isaiah: “Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching His vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill; and He fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein; and He looked that it should bring forth grapes.” Isaiah 5:1, 2.

COL 285.1

The husbandman chooses a piece of land from the wilderness; he fences, clears, and tills it, and plants it with choice vines, expecting a rich harvest. This plot of ground, in its superiority to the uncultivated waste, he expects to do him honor by showing the results of his care and toil in its cultivation. So God had chosen a people from the world to be trained and educated by Christ. The prophet says, “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant.” Isaiah 5:7. Upon this people God had bestowed great privileges, blessing them richly from His abundant goodness. He looked for them to honor Him by yielding fruit. They were to reveal the principles of His kingdom. In the midst of a fallen, wicked world they were to represent the character of God.

COL 290.3

But Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. The Lord declared, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” Jeremiah 2:21. “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.” Hosea 10:1. “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For ... He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Isaiah 5:3-7.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1231—The Vineyard

16MR 331.1

These are the fruits that Christ would have from His vineyards, and from His saints who assemble to worship Him from year to year. Obedience to God’s commandments makes our souls precious in His sight. The church is very dear to the heart of God. He would have His people sing with the heart and with the understanding also: “Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.” “Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein.... The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel” [Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1, 2, 7].

Prophets and Kings

Introduction—The Vineyard of the Lord

PK 17.3

“Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved touching His vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: and He fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a wine press therein: and He looked that it should bring forth grapes.” Isaiah 5:1, 2.

PK 17.4

Through the chosen nation, God had purposed to bring blessing to all mankind. “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts,” the prophet declared, “is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant.” Isaiah 5:7.

PK 19.2

But ancient Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. The Lord declared, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself.” “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For ... He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; Isaiah 5:3-7.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Glorious Destiny Israel Might Have Had

SS 8.1

Isaiah told with touching pathos the story of Israel’s call and training: “My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: and He fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and He looked that it should bring forth grapes.” Isaiah 5:1, 2.

“The vineyard of the Lord of hosts,” the prophet declared, “is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant.” Isaiah 5:7. This people were hedged about by the precepts of His law, the everlasting principles of truth, justice, and purity. Obedience was to be their protection, for it would save them from destroying themselves by sinful practices. And as the tower in the vineyard, God placed in the midst of the land His holy temple. Christ was their instructor, their teacher and guide. In the temple His glory dwelt in the holy Shekinah above the mercy seat.

SS 9.1

But ancient Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. The Lord declared, “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?” “Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste ... He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Jeremiah 2:21; Isaiah 5:4-7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 123, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 123, 1899, par. 10

These are the fruits that Christ would have from His vineyard, and from His saints who assemble to worship Him from year to year. Obedience to God’s commandments makes our souls precious in His sight. The church is very dear to the heart of God. He would have His people sing with the heart and with the understanding also: “Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it.” [Psalm 80:8.] “Now will I sing to my beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill. And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones there of, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein. ... The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.” [Isaiah 5:1, 2, 7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 23, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 2

It is of the church that the Psalmist writes, “Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt; thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it. Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root.” [Psalm 80:8, 9.] And through the prophet Isaiah God declares, “Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved, touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill; and he fenced it (with his commandments), and gathered out the stones thereof, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein.” [Isaiah 5:1, 2.]

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 3

Then he says, “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.” [Verse 7.] God took the people of Israel into the land of Canaan, and there did for them the work represented by planting and hedging a vineyard. He was the foundation of all their religious ceremonies. Through them the way was to be prepared for the diffusion of His light to all the nations of the world. God furnished them with every facility to enable them to become under His Theocracy, the greatest nation on the earth. They were to honor Him by their steadfast adherence to the highest, noblest principles. They were to preserve practical godliness untarnished by idolatry. Thus in a fallen, wicked world they were to represent the family of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 138, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 14

This vineyard represents the Jewish church, and of it God writes, “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant.” “In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it I will keep it day and night. Fury is not in me; who would set the briars and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them altogether. ... He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” [Isaiah 5:7; 27:2-4, 6.]

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 16

“My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill, and he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein; and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What more could have been done to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” [Isaiah 5:1-4.] “I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed; how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?” [Jeremiah 2:21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 14a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 14a, 1893, par. 3

Isaiah 5:20, 21. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Also vs. 21, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight.” And vs. 24, “Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Please read Isaiah 5:1-7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 164, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, par. 7

The chapters we were reading in course were in Isaiah. He read with us, and the very portions of Scripture which specified his sin was read by himself. We thought we would give him every chance to make the application to his own case and this might awaken in him a remorse, but it did not seem to have the least influence. He did that night—after we labored with him a long while and then left him with Brother Rousseau and Brother Prescott—confess his sins of vileness, and the conditions were plainly stated, if he would break away at once, and return to New Zealand, we would furnish him money. But he said positively he would not go to New Zealand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 166, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 3

A description of the vineyard is given in the fifth chapter of Isaiah. “Now will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill; and he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vines, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a wine-press therein.” [Verses 1, 2.] Everything was done that could be done to make the vineyard an honor to the one who owned it.

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 38

With all its minutest details, Calvary will stand to condemn every being who has received God-given opportunities and privileges, and yet have given no returns. “What could have been done to my vineyard that I have not done in it?” God asks. “Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild grapes.” [Isaiah 5:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 147, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 147, 1899, par. 13

“What,” Christ asks, “could be done in my vineyard more than has been done in it? And I looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.” [Isaiah 5:4, 2.] The fruit Christ requires is faith, patience, love, forbearance, heavenly unity, and meekness. These clusters of fruit ripen amid storm clouds and darkness as well as in the sunshine. There is no place in God’s work for dyspeptic religion. Practical godliness will strengthen the whole man, and make him complete in Christ. We need that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church

AA 15.3

“And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: and He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Isaiah 5:3-7. “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 20, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 20, 1888, par. 71

Are you afraid you cannot hold out? Can you not trust God to help you through one day? And if you can live right one day, ask God for strength to live the next day. Won’t Jesus help us? Doesn’t He love us? Why, He who hung on Calvary’s cross passed through all that agony to save men. Doesn’t He love us? What greater, what more do we want? Christ says, “What more could I do for my vineyard than I have done for it?” [Isaiah 5:4.] And He wants us to love Him and be obedient.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 33, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 33, 1889, par. 5

Take a flower. As you behold it in the distance it is beautiful. Draw nearer and you are delighted with its fragrance. Examine still closer and you are impressed with the delicacy of its tint and structure which nothing but a God could give it. So with the Bible. In reading its prayers we should leave our minds open to receive new light and should constantly draw so near to God that we can seek for His mercies. We do not want to dwell on the dark side, but rather let memory’s walls hang with the beautiful pictures of God’s mercy and love. We should train our tongues to sing the praises of God. Have we not enough to praise Him for? He says, “What more could I do for My vineyard than I have done?” [Isaiah 5:4.] Sure enough! Has He not given His Son! We are not left to battle with the powers of darkness alone.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 45, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 45, 1891, par. 2

You put the question hesitatingly, as though you were feeling your way, desiring to know what I would say. I have no hesitancy in replying, Place your feet on a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” There will be no probation after the second coming of Christ. A great, all-sufficient sacrifice has been offered for us. Every provision has been made that we may have eternal life. God gave His only begotten Son to us, and in that one gift He gave all heaven. He determined to make His gift so great that it would not be excelled. “What more could I have done in my vineyard that I have not done in it?” Christ asks. [Isaiah 5:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 20, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 20, 1892, par. 32

Shall we remember [that] all this offends Jesus whose property they are? Yet He does nothing to cut them off, but bears long with them. He wept in agony of tears over Jerusalem. All was distinctly before Him, the history of ages, centuries filled with incidents of grace resisted, privileges abused, opportunities slighted, the warnings and reproofs of prophets unheeded. Jesus scanned the events of ages of ingratitude, formalism, hypocritical insincerity, pharisaic pride, and national apostasy. His prophets were put to death, His servants abused, His vineyard trodden under foot. For a thousand years the cloud of vengeance had been loading, and as He saw it about to burst He wept in agony. Well might the Lord Jesus say, What more could I do for My vineyard than I have done? [Isaiah 5:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 16, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 16, 1895, par. 21

The Jews had clear light as to the character and mission of Christ. They had evidence of His divinity in His resurrection and ascension, yet they would not receive Him and become His disciples. In stubbornly resisting clear light and evidence brought to them by the Holy Spirit of God, they committed the unpardonable sin. As in the case of Judas, so it was with the Jews. God gave him sufficient evidence concerning the course he was taking; but he failed to improve the light, and it became darkness to him. God gave abundant evidence to the Jewish nation. He asked “What more could I have done for my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” [Isaiah 5:4.] Jesus told His disciples that the Jews would treat them as they had treated Him, and His predictions were speedily fulfilled. They heaped upon them every indignity, outrage, and cruelty that they could devise.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 110, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 2

This parable is of great importance to all who are entrusted with responsibilities in the Lord’s service. God selected a people to be educated by Christ. He brought them into the wilderness to be trained for His service, and there gave them the highest code of morality—His holy law. To them was committed God’s lesson book, the Old Testament Scriptures. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud Christ led them in their wilderness wandering. By His own power He transplanted the wild vine from Egypt to His vineyard. Well might God ask, “What more could I have done for my vineyard?” [Isaiah 5:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 77, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 41

“What more could I do to my vineyard, that I have not done?” Christ asks. [Isaiah 5:4.] No deeper wound could be inflicted upon God than to ignore His holy day, and place in its stead a spurious sabbath that bears no mark of sanctity. God gave His Sabbath to the world to remind men that in six days He made the world, and that the seventh He set apart for His name’s glory. He says, “It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:13, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 109, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 109, 1900, par. 18

Only men and women who are fully consecrated can understand the inwardness and sacredness of God’s work. Not all who claim to be disciples of Christ are disciples. If we are God’s people, our work cannot be done selfishly. The Lord Jesus inquires, What could have been done more for My vineyard that I have not done in it? All who are laborers together with God can say the same words. And more; their expectations and sacrifice are even as Christ’s expectations in their unselfish labor. “Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” [Isaiah 5:4.] Let not this be recorded of us.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]

MR No. 318—The Christian Pathway

5MR 257.4

He says, “What could have been done more to My vineyard that I have not done in it?” [Isaiah 5:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 76, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 76, 1903, par. 16

Wake up, my brethren and sisters. We have no time to spend in wringing our hands and in mourning that the Sanitarium has been destroyed. A wider outlook has been given us. Let us inquire of the Lord His mind and will. Will not the managers of the institution make thorough self-examination? Attempt after attempt has been made to burn the Sanitarium. Do not these things speak to the managers, telling them to look back at the way in which they have carried out their plans? Again and again reproof has come to them from God, but these messages have not led them to take heed. Message after message has been sent that plants should be made in many places. A most solemn review should now be made. God has been speaking, sometimes by unacknowledged mercies, oftentimes by threatened judgments. By blessings bestowed and blessings removed, He has sought to bring about the needed change of action. Well may He say, “What could have been done more in My vineyard, that I have not done in it?” [Isaiah 5:4.] Shall the word be spoken, “Ye would none of My counsel, ye despised all My reproofs,” “Ye would not come unto Me that ye might have life”? [See Proverbs 1:30; John 5:40.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again

DA 596.3

Jesus addressed all the people present; but the priests and rulers answered. “He will miserably destroy those wicked men,” they said, “and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” The speakers had not at first perceived the application of the parable, but they now saw that they had pronounced their own condemnation. In the parable the householder represented God, the vineyard the Jewish nation, and the hedge the divine law which was their protection. The tower was a symbol of the temple. The lord of the vineyard had done everything needful for its prosperity. “What could have been done more to my vineyard,” he says, “that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4. Thus was represented God’s unwearied care for Israel. And as the husbandmen were to return to the lord a due proportion of the fruits of the vineyard, so God’s people were to honor Him by a life corresponding to their sacred privileges. But as the husbandmen had killed the servants whom the master sent to them for fruit, so the Jews had put to death the prophets whom God sent to call them to repentance. Messenger after messenger had been slain. Thus far the application of the parable could not be questioned, and in what followed it was not less evident. In the beloved son whom the lord of the vineyard finally sent to his disobedient servants, and whom they seized and slew, the priests and rulers saw a distinct picture of Jesus and His impending fate. Already they were planning to slay Him whom the Father had sent to them as a last appeal. In the retribution inflicted upon the ungrateful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of those who should put Christ to death.

The Upward Look

Written for Our Admonition, August 6

UL 232.2

This parable is of great importance to all who are entrusted with responsibilities in the Lord’s service. God selected a people to be educated by Christ. He brought them into the wilderness to be trained for His service, and there gave them the highest code of morality—His holy law. To them was committed God’s lesson book, the Old Testament Scriptures. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud Christ led them in their wilderness wandering. By His own power He transplanted the wild vine from Egypt to His vineyard. Well might God ask, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done?” (Isaiah 5:4).

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

God’s Standard Unchanged

2TT 81.2

The Lord planted His church as a vine in a fruitful field. With tenderest care He nourished and cherished it, that it might bring forth the fruits of righteousness. His language is: “What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it?” But this vine of God’s planting has inclined to the earth and entwined its tendrils about human supports. Its branches are extended far and wide, but it bears the fruit of a degenerate vine. The Master of the vineyard declares: “When I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” Isaiah 5:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 38, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 38, 1886, par. 5

He says, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 9, 1883

4LtMs, Ms 9, 1883, par. 8

Oh, that we might, from the eldest to the youngest, seek the Lord as we have never done before! Oh, that we might renounce our sins, break down our pride, and with contrition of soul cast ourselves unreservedly upon Christ, believing that He accepts us just now, not because we are worthy, but because Christ has died! God grant that all who have named the name of Christ might depart from iniquity. All that a God could do has been done for you. He stands now looking upon the people for whom He suffered and died, and says, “What more can I do for My vineyard than I have already done?” [Isaiah 5:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 125, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 125, 1886, par. 3

When Jesus wept over Jerusalem, His tears were for all who are abusing their present privileges. He wept that so many who profess His name fail to become what God designed them to be; that they continue in sin and weakness, which He is able and willing to save them from if they will but come to Him. The Saviour says, “What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:4. He has dealt with His people as a loving father with a wayward and rebellious child. But He sees grace resisted, privileges abused, opportunities slighted. Where He had a right to expect earnest, vital piety, He sees insincerity, hollow formalism, pharisaic pride. Neglect of light is chargeable upon those whom God has entrusted with great and solemn truths. Ingratitude for God’s mercies, abuse of blood-bought privileges, stand registered against many in the books of heaven, and are treasuring up for them wrath against the day of wrath. Vengeance will surely be visited upon those who have had so great light, yet who are so cold and unimpressible that no light shines from them to the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 26, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 26, 1888, par. 21

If this is not enough, what more could heaven do for the fallen race than has been done? “What more,” says Christ, “could I do for My sheep than that I have done?” [Isaiah 5:4.] What more? Will He have to let us go? He will, unless you change your attitude before God, for He has done all He could to save us. According to the light that we have received, so is our accountability before God. Walk in the light as He is in the light. There is no darkness in Him at all.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 141, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 10

“What could have been done more in my vineyard,” Christ asks, “that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to: I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down. And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” [Isaiah 5:4-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 149, 1904

Comments on Isaiah 5:4-13

19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 9

I have seen in Southern California exactly this representation. In place after place there are homes “great and fair” that are not inhabited. Costly buildings have been built, and then they have stood for years. Orchards once productive are left to ruin. What is the matter? The explanation is given in (verses 11 and 12): “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! And the harp and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of His hands.” Isaiah 5:11, 12. Pleasure seekers have taken up and created many places at great expense. The Lord has not given them the rain of heaven. “Many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair.” [Verse 9.] We have seen this. “Therefore My people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.” Isaiah 5:13.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”

PK 711.2

Thus the Saviour referred to “the vineyard of the Lord of hosts,” which the prophet Isaiah centuries before had declared to be “the house of Israel.” Isaiah 5:7.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church

TT 11.3

“For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: and He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Isaiah 5:7; Ezekiel 34:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 127, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 127, 1899, par. 3

Through His servant Isaiah, the Lord declares, “The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the whole house of Israel.” [Isaiah 5:7.] Again the church is represented by a vine brought out of Egypt and planted in the Holy Land. Christ represents the union which should exist between Him and the church by a vine. “I am the vine,” He says, “ye are the branches.” [John 15:5.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

“Call to Remembrance the Former Days”

8T 115.1

“Therefore as the tongue of fire devoureth the stubble,
And as the dry grass sinketh down in the flame,
So their root shall be as rottenness,
And their blossom shall go up as dust;
Because they have rejected the law of Jehovah of hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 5:7, 11-13, 20, 21, 24, A. R. V.

The Review and Herald

March 4, 1915

RH March 4, 1915, par. 9

The outlook was particularly discouraging as regards the social conditions of the people. In their desire for gain, men were adding house to house and field to field. See Isaiah 5:8. Justice was perverted, and no pity was shown the poor. Of these evils God declared: “The spoil of the poor is in your houses.... Ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor.” Chap. 3:14, 15. Even the magistrates, whose duty it was to protect the helpless, had turned a deaf ear to the cries of the poor and needy, the widows and the fatherless. Chap. 10:1, 2.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 25—The Call of Isaiah

PK 306.1

The outlook was particularly discouraging as regards the social conditions of the people. In their desire for gain, men were adding house to house and field to field. See Isaiah 5:8. Justice was perverted, and no pity was shown the poor. Of these evils God declared, “The spoil of the poor is in your houses.” “Ye beat My people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor.” Isaiah 3:14, 15. Even the magistrates, whose duty it was to protect the helpless, turned a deaf ear to the cries of the poor and needy, the widows and the fatherless. See Isaiah 10:1, 2.

PK 306.2

With oppression and wealth came pride and love of display, gross drunkenness, and a spirit of revelry. See Isaiah 2:11, 12; 3:16, 18-23; 5:22, 11, 12. And in Isaiah’s day idolatry itself no longer provoked surprise. See Isaiah 2:8, 9. Iniquitous practices had become so prevalent among all classes that the few who remained true to God were often tempted to lose heart and to give way to discouragement and despair. It seemed as if God’s purpose for Israel were about to fail and that the rebellious nation was to suffer a fate similar to that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

From Splendor to Shadow

Isaiah Sent When God’s Purposes Seemed to Be Failing

SS 162.3

But the dangers from without were not so serious as the dangers from within. By their apostasy and rebellion the people who should have been light bearers among the nations were inviting the judgments of God. Many of the evils of the northern kingdom, which had been denounced by Hosea and Amos, were fast corrupting Judah. In their desire for gain, men were adding house to house and field to field. See Isaiah 5:8. Justice was perverted, and no pity was shown the poor. God declared, “The spoil of the poor is in your houses.” Isaiah 3:14. Even magistrates turned a deaf ear to the cries of the poor, the widows, and the fatherless. See Isaiah 10:1, 2.

SS 162.4

With wealth came love of display, drunkenness, and revelry. See Isaiah 2:11, 12; 3:16, 18-23; 5:22, 11, 12. And idolatry itself no longer provoked surprise. See Isaiah 2:8, 9. The few who remained true to God were tempted to give way to despair. It seemed as if God’s purpose for Israel was about to fail.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 18a, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 18a, 1906, par. 25

“Woe unto them,” He declares, “that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink.” [Isaiah 5:11.]

The Review and Herald

March 11, 1915

RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 1

In the later years of the kingdom of Judah, pride and extravagance were accompanied by gross drunkenness and by a spirit of revelry. Upon those who gave themselves up to such sins, special woes were pronounced by the Lord through his chosen messenger. “Woe unto them,” Isaiah declared, “that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink.” Isaiah 5:22. And again: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! ... The harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine,” the prophet said, “are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.” Verses 11, 12.

Darkness Before Dawn

The Character of Evil Spirits

DD 21.1

If there were no other evidence of the real character of spiritualism, it should be enough for the Christian that the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin, between the noblest and purest of the apostles of Christ and the most corrupt of the servants of Satan. By representing the basest of men as in heaven, and highly exalted there, Satan says to the world: “No matter how wicked you are; no matter whether you believe or disbelieve God and the Bible. Live as you please; heaven is your home.” The spiritualist teachers virtually declare: “Everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?” Malachi 2:17. Saith the word of God: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Isaiah 5:20.

Our High Calling

Light or Shadow? January 20

OHC 26.1

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 34—Can Our Dead Speak to Us?

GC 556.3

If there were no other evidence of the real character of spiritualism, it should be enough for the Christian that the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin, between the noblest and purest of the apostles of Christ and the most corrupt of the servants of Satan. By representing the basest of men as in heaven, and highly exalted there, Satan says to the world: “No matter how wicked you are; no matter whether you believe or disbelieve God and the Bible. Live as you please; heaven is your home.” The spiritualist teachers virtually declare: “Everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?” Malachi 2:17. Saith the word of God: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Isaiah 5:20.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 34—Spiritualism

GC88 557.1

If there were no other evidence of the real character of Spiritualism, it should be enough for the Christian that the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin, between the noblest and purest of the apostles of Christ and the most corrupt of the servants of Satan. By representing the basest of men as in Heaven, and highly exalted there, Satan says to the world: “No matter how wicked you are; no matter whether you believe or disbelieve God and the Bible. Live as you please; Heaven is your home.” The Spiritualist teachers virtually declare, “Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?” [Malachi 2:17.] Saith the Word of God, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” [Isaiah 5:20.]

From Here to Forever

Man’s Rejection of Light

HF 234.3

Spiritual darkness is due, not to arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace on the part of God, but to rejection of light on the part of men. The Jewish people, by devotion to the world and forgetfulness of God, were in ignorance concerning Messiah’s advent. In their unbelief they rejected the Redeemer. God did not cut off the Jewish nation from the blessings of salvation. Those who rejected the truth had “put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Isaiah 5:20.

From Here to Forever

Appeal to the Pleasure-loving

HF 341.2

By representing the basest of men as in heaven, Satan says to the world: “No matter whether you believe or disbelieve God and the Bible, live as you please; heaven is your home.” Saith the Word of God: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Isaiah 5:20.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Forbidden Fellowship

GrH_c 21.6

By representing the basest of men as in heaven, Satan says to the world, “No matter whether you believe or disbelieve God and the Bible, live as you please; heaven is your home.” Saith the Word of God: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Isaiah 5:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 31a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 31a, 1894, par. 17

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” [Isaiah 5:20.] Men may possess capabilities given them in trust of God, but if they are not humble men, daily converted men, as vessels of honor, they will do the greater harm because of their capabilities. If they are not learners of Christ Jesus, if they do not pray and keep their natural hereditary and cultivated tendencies under control, traits of character that God abhors will pervert the judgment of those who associate with them.

This Day With God

Partakers of the Divine Nature, August 1

TDG 222.1

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20, 21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 3, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 3, 1895, par. 25

Every human being in possession of reason is under obligation to make the best possible use of the facilities within his reach, and to be complete in Christ. The more we exercise our minds in seeking to comprehend what are our full duties, the more our power will increase to perform them. The Word of God condemns a false opinion of things; it says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; the bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” [Isaiah 5:20, 21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 13, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 1

“The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.” [Isaiah 3:9, 10.] “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ... Therefore as fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” [Isaiah 5:20, 21, 24.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 31—The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

PP 360.2

God designed to teach the people that they must approach Him with reverence and awe, and in His own appointed manner. He cannot accept partial obedience. It was not enough that in this solemn season of worship nearly everything was done as He had directed. God has pronounced a curse upon those who depart from His commandments, and put no difference between common and holy things. He declares by the prophet: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness! ... woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ... which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! ... They have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 5:20-24. Let no one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God’s commandments are nonessential, or that He will accept a substitute for that which He has required. Said the prophet Jeremiah, “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?” Lamentations 3:37. God has placed in His word no command which men may obey or disobey at will and not suffer the consequences. If men choose any other path than that of strict obedience, they will find that “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 1, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 1, 1897, par. 4

“Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink; which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” [Isaiah 5:20-24.] Please read Psalms 91, 92, 95, and 96.

The Ministry of Healing

Prohibition

MH 346.1

“Woe unto them....
As the fire devoureth the stubble,
And the flame consumeth the chaff,
So their root shall be as rottenness,
And their blossom shall go up as dust:
Because they have cast away the law of the Lord of
hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 5:22-24.