Matthew 21:33
A hedge ( φραγμον ). Or fence as a protection against wild beasts.Digged a winepress ( ωρυξεν ληνον ). Out of the solid rock to hold the grapes and wine as they were crushed. Such wine-vats are to be seen today in Palestine.
Built a tower ( ωικοδομησεν πυργον ). This for the vinedressers and watchmen (2Ch 26:10). Utmost care was thus taken. Note "a booth in a vineyard" (Isa 1:8). See also Isa 24:20; Job 27:18. Let it out ( εξεδετο, εξεδοτο the usual form). For hire, the terms not being given. The lease allowed three forms, money-rent, a proportion of the crop, or a definite amount of the produce whether it was a good or bad year. Probably the last form is that contemplated here.
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