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The vineyards were most commonly planted on the 
southern side of a hill, and surrounded by walls, or a 
hedge of thorns, every thing being first cleared away 
which might injure the growth of the plants; a striking 
commentary this on the first and second verses in the 
fifdi chapter of Isaiah. Palestine abounded in vines, 
particularly in the district allotted to Judah; in which 
were contained Eschol and Engeddi, so famous for their 
vineyards. Thus was the prediction of the patriarch ful¬ 
filled : —“ Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s 
colt unto the choice vine: he washed his garments in 
wine, and his clodies in the blood of the grape.” 
As a symbol of joy and plenty, the vine is perpetually 
recurring in Scripture. Besides the prophecy just 
quoted, we find when Isaac invoked a blessing on Jacob 
he said, “ God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the 
fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine.” In 
the eightieth Psalm, the Israelitish people and their 
national vicissitudes are compared to “ a vine brought 
out of Egypt, which took deep root and filled the land 
but which afterwards “ the boar out of the wood did 
waste, and the wild beast of the field devour.” 
Such are a few of the passages where it is referred to 
in the Old Testament: in the Gospels it is connected 
with more touching associations. With solemnised feel- 
