Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Matthew 21:17-22
Luke hath nothing of this passage, but Mark relates it with some variation and additions: the variation is only as to time, as to which the evangelists were not curious. Matthew relates this miracle as done in the morning of the second day, as Christ and his disciples returned from Bethany; so doth Mark 11:12; but Matthew speaks as if the disciples discerned it presently withered; Mark mentions it as not discerned to be withered till the next morning, Mark 11:20. Mark saith, Mark 11:13, for the... read more
Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:18-22
Matthew 21:18-Song of Solomon : . The Cursing of the Fig Tree and the Power of Faith ( Mark 11:12 ff., Mark 11:20-Ezekiel : *).— What Mk. has severed, Mt. joins together. The miracle is enhanced by happening at once. The special mention of Peter is strangely omitted. In both Gospels the tree is condemned for falsity, not fruitlessness, and symbolises Jerusalem rather than the nation. Besides Luke 13:6-1 Samuel : * cf. Hosea 9:10. The lesson Jesus points is the efficacy of believing prayer.... read more