Kevin Steyer
Although the phrase “three acres and a cow” was not coined by G. K. Chesterton, it was popularized by him in his book, What’s Wrong with the World. It refers to what was, in his mind, the ideal land-holding for every citizen. It was a push-back against heavy industrialization and urbanization. Assumed in the concept is the benefit of equality among people and the importance of living on the land. We don’t tend to think in these terms in the US today, because it sounds socialist. But, I would like to suggest that the idea is broadly biblical. With minor variations, the positive phrase “every man under his vine and under his fig tree” occurs five times in the Bible (1 Kings 4:25; 2 Kings 18:31; Isaiah 36:16; Zechariah 3:10; and Micah 4:4). It is an agricultural picture of blessing and peace. It can be seen as the Bible’s version of Chesterton’s phrase. Here it is as it is found in Micah, with some context:
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken” (Micah 4:3-4).
The prophecy is for “the latter days” (4:1) which refers to the new age in history inaugurated by the resurrection of Christ. That means that it has at least begun to apply to us today. The problem, though, is that it isn’t consummated yet. Nations today still “learn war.” It seems to me that now that Christ has come and begun to recreate the world, the picture in Micah 4 is possible but not fully realized. It ought to be the case that everyone today can sit “under his vine and under his fig tree.” In other words, it ought to be the case that everyone can enjoy plenty, not superabundance and luxury, but plenty. It ought to be the case that every man can have “three acres and a cow” and be satisfied. But it isn’t. At least not yet.
In all of George Washington’s letters, Micah 4:4 was the verse he most often quoted. He saw America as a place which had so much land and such abundant resources, that, once the nation was established, each man would be able to sit “under his vine and under his fig tree.” If ever that was true (and I think there were times when it got close, as it did under Solomon), it is not true today. I am repeatedly stunned when I read the news and am reminded that for many Americans, missing one paycheck (as has recently happened for many) means not being able to put food on the table. There are families for whom school closures means children can’t have their subsidized lunch, and they now have to see which essential things they have to cut to be able to feed the children. We really ought to be appalled at this situation. Brothers and sisters, this ought not to be! What has happened to Washington’s hope? What has become of Micah’s prophecy?
I mentioned above that the Edenic picture of Micah 4 is possible, and I really believe that. I am fundamentally an optimist (despite frequent grumblings), because I think the Scriptures are fundamentally optimistic. One minister said of Jesus, “He held that the age of gold was not behind, but before humanity.” But it is the Lord who will ensure it comes; it is not we who will usher it in. Nevertheless, when Jesus walked the Earth, “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), and we, as His followers, should do likewise. We don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) be revolutionaries or lead mass protest movements. But we should, in whatever way we can, work so that each person may “sit under his vine and under his fig tree.” It is such a noble image. The pandemic facing the world today will not stop God’s purposes from coming to completion. It is an opportunity for us, whether through support of various ministries, or by reaching out to our neighbors, or by prayer, to join together as God’s co-laborers, (and co-farmers!), as we seek a new world where each person can “sit under his vine and under his fig tree.”
“The back of your winter night is broken. Look to the East, the day-sky is breaking. Think not that Christ loseth time, or lingereth unsuitably. O fair, fair and sweet morning!” – Samuel Rutherford