When you “envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree,” what images spring into your consciousness? I was startled to hear Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet at a presidential inauguration, refer to this Biblical phrase. Perhaps she was picturing a scene post covid, where we gather in a city park and bask in the lush landscape while savoring a feast with friends. Or maybe she was thinking of George Washington, who sometimes referred to Mt Vernon as his own vine and fig tree. There he found a place to retreat from the rigors and demands of life. This would echo the image of tranquility found in I Kings 4:25.

Or maybe she was thinking of the Old Testament prophet Zechariah’s use of this image. (Zechariah 3:10) He sees a day coming when we will “invite each other to sit under the vine and fig tree.” This conjures up a day when political polarization melts away and friends and family reunite in forgiveness. It’s a heavenly vision that can take place on earth, when hurt gives way to healing and strangers become united in mutual love. My fig tree is your fig tree!

Scholars tell us that President Washington referred to this scriptural image “vine and fig tree” some 50 times in his writings. Both Washington and Gorman include the line about safety: “sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid.” (Micah 4:4) What if we no longer feared violence from terrorists – domestic or foreign? What if we no longer worried about gun violence or racism or misuse of power? What if neighbors knew each other’s names and reached out in times of need? What if nations welcomed refugees fleeing persecution and no child went to bed hungry? In 1790, George Washington wrote a letter to the synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, saying that in America, “everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree.”

I found it delightful to hear a young poet refer to the sacred text. And I find it challenging to imagine ways that we can create a world where all of us sit under the vine and fig tree in peace. As Gorman said, when we “merge mercy with might” we just might get there.

Grace and Peace,

Carla