Six Sermons on the Olive - 4. Gathering without Planting

Extract

Six Sermons on the Olive
C. H. Spurgeon

4. Gathering without Planting

“Of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat” Joshua 24:13.

The Israelites, when they came into Canaan, entered into possession of a country which was thoroughly prepared for their occupation. There were cities walled, and houses exactly adapted for their use, and in habitable repair. The vineyards were in full bearing, and the hills terraced ready for cultivation. They were not like emigrants to the wild west, who have to clear forests and turn over prairies. They had not even to take possession of ruined cities, and to rebuild them; but, for the most part, everything stood waiting for them, “houses full of all good things,” and even “the old corn of the land” stored up for their immediate use. Moses had promised them that it should be so, and Joshua reminded them of the promise when it had become a fact.

As the Holy Spirit shall help us, let us first learn from the text as it referred to Israel; and then, taking the general principle here mentioned, let us learn from their case to consider our own, for we also enjoy that, which we have neither produced nor earned. First, then, LET US LEARN FROM THE TEXT AS IT REFERRED TO ISRAEL. They entered into possession of wells which they had not digged, cities which they had not built, olive trees and vineyards which they had not planted.

In the first place, this was a fulfilment of the ancient covenant. Although all the details of these blessings to Israel were not mentioned in to covenant made with Abraham, yet they were virtually included; and Moses mentioned them very particularly in the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy, when he told to the people to beware lest they should forget the Lord who brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. So that, every time an Israelite walked out into his olive garden, and especially when he beat the tree to bring down its fruit, he could say to himself, “Here is the fulfilment of the promise made to our fathers. ” If he …