Casting Away Stones and Building Terraces: The Soul's Vineyard

Ecclesiastes 3:5 speaks of "a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together." The primary meaning emerges from Eastern husbandry: vineyards cultivated on steep valley sides required backbreaking labor. A husbandman must first cast away stones and clear the soil, then gather those same stones to build terraces for planting vines.

This pattern illuminates the Christian soul. If we regard our souls as possible vineyards wherein may be grown "the fruits of a good life" to the glory of Elohim, we must first cast away every obstacle. Indolence in religious matters acts as a vampire bat—the devil soothes souls into fatal sleep while draining their spiritual vitality. Yet more insidious is the favourite sin, the evil habit we cannot bear to part with. The soul becomes like a captive bird fastened by a string, flying a little way, then pulled back.

But the Christian must summon courage and break the chain. Consider a prisoner at his cell window, one rusty bar between him and freedom. With what determination he would grasp it! So must we exert utmost strength against that which holds us back.

Once obstacles are removed, a different picture rises: gathering stones to pile them into terraces and foundational walls. This is the time of building—constructing virtue, establishing prayer, reinforcing faith through disciplined spiritual practice. Both seasons demand perseverance; both glorify Adonai.