The allegory of the olive tree relates to the dealings of the Lord, the Master of the vineyard, with the House of Israel. In general, the following chronology may be helpful for understanding the allegory:
• First period—Jacob 5:4–14: 1800 b.c. (Jacob/Israel) to 400 b.c. (Malachi)
• Long time passes—Jacob 5:15: 400 b.c. (Malachi) to a.d. 30 (The Lord Jesus Christ)
• Second period—Jacob 5:16–28: a.d. 30 to a.d. 100 (The Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles) Note: The death of Peter and Paul in approximately a.d. 65 would indicate the end of the quorums; however, the writings of John were near the end of the first century.
• Long time passes—Jacob 5:29: a.d. 100 to a.d. 1820 (Apostasy to the Restoration)
• Third period—Jacob 5:30–60: a.d. 1820 to present day (Restoration and Gathering)
• Fourth period—Jacob 5:61–75: Present day—gathering of Israel and preparing for the Second Coming of the Lord
• Long time passes—Jacob 5:76: The Millennial reign
• End of the Millennium—Jacob 5:77: End of the world and then the earth shall be renewed
Summary of Interpretations:
• Tame olive tree—the House of Israel
• Vineyard—the world
• Master of the vineyard—the Lord Jesus Christ
• Servant—the prophets
• Wild olive tree—Gentiles or non-Israelites
• Branches—different groups of the House of Israel
• Roots—blood of Israel or the seed of Abraham or the gospel covenants
• Fruit—good works and converted Saints
• Digging, pruning, and dunging—nourishing and persuading the children of God with the word of God to come unto Christ and do good works
• Grafting—coming to Christ and becoming part of the House of Israel
• Transplanting the branches—sending groups through out the world
• Decaying branches—wickedness and apostasy
• Casting branches into the fire—judgment of God (Ed J. Pinegar)