Concise Bible Dictionary:
A title given to Jehovah in His relationship with Israel. He had planted Israel as a vine on the earth, and He looked for fruit; but, alas, it produced only wild grapes (Isa. 5:1-7). He then planted the true Vine on the earth which in every way gave much fruit (John 15:1). In another metaphor, Jehovah let out a vineyard to Israel, and prepared it for fruit-bearing; but when He sent for the fruit, His servants were ill-treated and killed. Last of all He sent His Son, but Him they killed also. God has destroyed those husbandmen, and has let out His vineyard unto the Gentiles (Matt. 21:33-41; compare Rom. 11:21).