2 A fruitful vineyard is a symbol for Israel and is a counterpart to the vineyard on a very fruitful hill of 5:1. But there is a substantial difference. In chap. 5 Israel was a people in its land. God’s watchful care applied to both. Here Israel is a people in exile (cf. v 12). God extols his watchcare over her, and his protection and peace are emphasized (vv 3b–5). He promises to plant and cultivate his vineyard but there is no reference to the land. A return to live in the land of Canaan is not