Jerome : Whoever has been under the wings of this sun [of justice and healing] who has said in the Gospel: how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you would not! shall be safe from the devil hawk, safe under the great wings of that mighty eagle in Ezekiel, and all the wounds of his sins shall be healed. — HOMILY 94 (ON EASTER SUNDAY) John Chrysostom : Afterwards, intending to speak of the oaths and treaties, "He took," saith he, "of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field, that it might take root by great waters. He placed it to be looked upon; and it grew, and became a weak vine, and of small stature, and it stretched out its branches towards him, and its roots were under him." Here he calls the city of Jerusalem a vine; but in saying that it stretched out its branches towards the eagle, and that its roots were under him, he refers to the treaties and alliances made with him; and that it cast itself upon him. — HOMILIES CONCERNING THE STATUES 19:9 Origen of Alexandria : As long as it was on holy ground, the vine was huge; but when it was taken to the land of sinners, it was made infirm and small. — HOMILIES ON Ezekiel 11:4