H.J. Vine
Henry James Vine (1857 - 1930). English Bible teacher, author, and Plymouth Brethren leader born in London. Converted in his youth, he joined the Brethren assembly at Fore Street, Exeter, and was mentored by figures like George Müller. A self-educated scholar of Greek and Hebrew, he began preaching in the 1870s, traveling across England, Scotland, and Ireland to teach at conferences and assemblies. Vine authored numerous articles and books, including The Work of Christ and contributions to The Witness magazine, emphasizing dispensationalism and Christ’s preeminence. Known for his gentle demeanor and expository clarity, he influenced thousands within the Brethren movement. Married with children, he lived modestly, often supporting missions. In later years, he focused on writing from Bournemouth, where his home became a hub for Bible study. His teachings, preserved in Brethren archives, remain influential among conservative evangelicals. Vine’s emphasis on scriptural precision and humility shaped a generation of Bible students.
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H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what we listen to, as God is very jealous of how we use our ears. He highlights how Satan entered man's soul through Eve's ear, leading to man-degrading consequences. Christians are reminded to guard what enters their ears, symbolized by the blood and oil placed on the right ear in the cleansing of the leper and consecration of the priests. Jesus instructs us to be cautious of what and how we hear, emphasizing the significance of listening to His words which bring eternal life and blessings.
The Ear
God is very jealous as to how we use our ears. Satan gained entrance to the citadel of man’s soul through the ear of Eve. We all know the man-degrading and God-dishonouring results of that. Those who are saved by grace and sealed by the Spirit, are warned again and again in regard to what is permitted to enter their ears. At the cleansing of the leper and at the consecration of the priests, both types or pictures of the blessing and privileged place in which Christians are set by the death of Christ, the blood was put first upon the right ear, then the oil was put upon the blood. The ear is claimed by the precious blood, and the Spirit typified by the oil is the power given of God that it might be used well-pleasing to Him (Lev. 14:14, 17). In Mark 4:24, our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Take heed WHAT ye hear!” and in Luke 8:18, “Take heed therefore HOW ye hear!” Often He said when teaching, “He that has ears to hear, let him hear!” and to those who did listen to His wonderful unfoldings, “Blessed are your ears!” Moreover, in the final word given as to the assemblies, it is said seven times, “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies” (Rev. 2 and 3). And it is solemnly foretold concerning the very days in which we live, “They will turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Tim. 4:4). The reason being they will hearken to what is not the truth of God, for they have “ITCHING EARS.” Our Lord Jesus Christ spake the words of God,” “the words of eternal life.” He said, “The words which I have spoken unto you are spirit and are life”! These communications are divine, vital, and infinitely blessed! What time or taste have we, then, for the vain and often destructive entertainment of this passing world? From the excellent glory the voice of God the Father has been heard, saying concerning Jesus, “This is My Beloved Son, HEAR HIM ” (Luke 9:35). To do so is to receive into our lives that which brings peace and joy and blessings which abide.
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Henry James Vine (1857 - 1930). English Bible teacher, author, and Plymouth Brethren leader born in London. Converted in his youth, he joined the Brethren assembly at Fore Street, Exeter, and was mentored by figures like George Müller. A self-educated scholar of Greek and Hebrew, he began preaching in the 1870s, traveling across England, Scotland, and Ireland to teach at conferences and assemblies. Vine authored numerous articles and books, including The Work of Christ and contributions to The Witness magazine, emphasizing dispensationalism and Christ’s preeminence. Known for his gentle demeanor and expository clarity, he influenced thousands within the Brethren movement. Married with children, he lived modestly, often supporting missions. In later years, he focused on writing from Bournemouth, where his home became a hub for Bible study. His teachings, preserved in Brethren archives, remain influential among conservative evangelicals. Vine’s emphasis on scriptural precision and humility shaped a generation of Bible students.