All the trees in the fig orchard were destitute of fruit; but the leafless trees raised no expectation, and caused no disappointment. By these trees the Gentiles were represented. They were as destitute as were the Jews of godliness; but they had not professed to serve God. They made no boastful pretensions to goodness. They were blind to the works and ways of God. With them the time of figs was not yet. They were still waiting for a day which would bring them light and hope. The Jews, who had received greater blessings from God, were held accountable for their abuse of these gifts. The privileges of which they boasted only increased their guilt.

Ingen af træerne i figenhaven bar frugt; men de bladløse træer vakte ingen forventninger og voldte ingen skuffelse. Disse træer var et billede på hedningerne. De var lige så blottede for gudsfrygt som jøderne, men de foregav ikke at tjene Gud. De fremkom ikke med noget pralende krav om at blive regnet for gode. De var blinde for Guds gerninger og veje. For dem var figentiden endnu ikke kommet. De ventede stadig på den dag, der skulle bringe dem lys og håb. Jøderne, der havde modtaget større velsignelser fra Gud, måtte stå til regnskab for deres misbrug af disse gaver. De forrettigheder, som de pralede af, gjorde kun deres skyld større.