This verse presents three events. The first is the passage of time, representing Yahweh’s infinite patience. For example, he patiently waited to effect a restoration of the priesthood for nearly eighteen hundred years. Just as the master of the vineyard makes an effort to save the tree, then waits to see its effects, so Yahweh provides prophets and warnings, allowing human beings time listen and take action.
The second event is the growth of new branches. This process is precisely what the master hoped for: renewed life for the tree. However, the effect is more limited than the master had hoped. Some do listen to the prophets but only “somewhat,” and they repent only “a little.”
The third event describes the prophets’ effect on larger Israel, or the tree’s “main top.” By analogy, it would be Israel’s leaders, those who maintain the status quo. While individuals, or those peripheral to the leaders, might repent, the allegory shows that the leaders continued in their “decay” or departure from Yahweh’s way. This portion parallels Isaiah’s condemnation of Israel’s leaders, even though a remnant remains true. (See Isa. 2–5, evils of leaders, and Isa. 10:22, the righteous remnant.)
Symbolism: The allegory develops an increasing distinction among the parts of the tree. For instance, the trunk never receives attention. The action occurs with the branches and root. The branches represent the actual people of Israel, though collectively, not as individuals. Thus, the new branches represent people who return to God through the prophets’ efforts. The established branches, the “tops,” are those in the established hierarchy. The root represents the Abrahamic covenant. (See commentary accompanying verse 8 below.)