unto the dresser of his vineyard It seems clear that in the truth which the parable shadows forth, Christ corresponds to the vine-dresser, and Jehovah to the owner (Isaiah 5:7). Some however prefer to see in the vine-dresser the Holy Spirit as Intercessor.

Behold, these three years Many suppose an allusion to the length up to this time of our Lord's ministry. Others explain it of the periods of the Judges, Kings, and High Priests. It is very doubtful how far these lesser details which are essential to the colouring of the parable are intended to be pressed.

cut it down at onceas the tense implies (Matthew 3:10; John 15:2 ). It was fulfilled in the rejection of Israel (Romans 11:22 ).

why cumbereth it the ground? Rather, why doth it also sterilise the ground? i.e. it is not onlyuseless, but positively mischievous by preventing other growth.

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