My Vineyard

In the days of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob did I build,
A vineyard whose fruit was beautiful and did yield.
Because I did plant a vineyard in a very fruitful hill,
I did reap the harvest of fruit and my barn did fill.

I did prepare a place even a land and fenced it in,
Planted with my choicest vines, I gathered within.
Removed the stones of stumbling from the path,
Building a watch-tower to guard over all that I hath.

Thou mayest Judge between me and my vineyard,
What could I have done more? My voice was heard.
Yet still of a truth, wild grapes did my vineyard yield,
No matter how strong was my sword and my shield.

I removed the hedge and broke down the walls…
The thieves removed all who had heeded my calls.
Babylon’s band had trodden under foot my land,
Leaving no place for my vineyard, or my people to stand.

I did lay waste this land, it shall not be digged or pruned.
Not again will it rain until all hearts are finally tuned.
The vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the House of Israel.
For this, anger remains, yet his hand is stretched out still.

I did take my vineyard across the wall and planted anew.
In a land of freedom most desirable above all nations too.
There I did establish my kingdom and placed a safe wall,
No earthly king shall rule this land, it shall conquer over all.

This land shall be a refuge of freedom forevermore.
While I gather the harvest of fruit into my barn to store.
I shall build in the midst temples in the top of mountains.
Feeding my vineyard living waters from my fountains.

From every land and nation of the earth shall they flee,
A place of refuge from the storms and desires to be free.
All nations shall flow unto it, the Lord of the vineyard love,
Christ’s restored Gospel has come down from above.

David S. Maughan © 3/7/2024
2 Nephi 15:1-24