Is. 5:1-7; Phil. 4:6-9; Mt. 21:33-43
Every detail of the parable of the vineyard and the wicked tenants was familiar to the hearers. The vineyards were surrounded with a thick-set thorn hedge, designed to keep out both the wild boars and thieves. Every vineyard had its own wine press, and a watch tower.
The actions of the owner of the vineyard were all quite normal. In the time of Jesus, Palestine was