Verse 1 The wine-fat; the cistern or reservoir which was to receive the wine when pressed from the grapes.--And built it tower; a watch-tower. The vineyard thus carefully prepared for the operations of the husbandman, represents the Jewish nation, which had been provided with many safeguards against the moral dangers which surrounded it, and with every inducement to be faithful in the service of God. Instead, however, of rendering him the obedience and the honor which were his due, they treated the prophets and the other messengers of Heaven, successively sent to them, in the manner described in the text.