This is the first great division marking the beginning of section two of the prophecy. So far the wicked of Israel and Judah have been killed, the remnant has been scattered, and the Gentiles have been brought in to take their place. The Lord allows this long time to pass away to give the main tree and transplanted branches time to produce good fruit. This next section describes the Lord and his servant on a mission of observation. No transplants or grafting takes place, just the investigation of the vineyard and some nourishing.