Israel as Grapes in the Wilderness at Mount Sinai

"When Abram was" (Genesis 17:1). This is what Scripture says: "Like grapes in the wilderness I found {your fathers} [Israel; like the first-ripe fig on a fig tree in its beginning I saw your fathers]" (Hosea 9:10). It speaks of Israel. At the hour when they stood at Mount Sinai, they were likened to grapes. Just as grapes are fair on the outside and [unpleasant] within, so were Israel at the hour when they stood at Mount Sinai and answered, "We will do and we will hear." Behold, this was with their mouth, but their heart was not steadfast, for thus said David: "But they beguiled Him with their mouth, and with their tongue they lied to Him; for their heart was not steadfast with Him" (Psalms 78:36-37). Behold, "like grapes in the wilderness." Just as the grapes have within them food and drink, so Israel has within them masters of Torah, and has within them masters of deeds.