Bible Commentaries
Mark 11

Verses 1-33

Mark 11:1 . When they came nigh to Jerusalem. This chapter, with the exception of a few words, is the same as Matthew 21:0.

Mark 11:9 . They that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna, a word of praise derived from Hoskiah, save now, Lord, we beseech thee. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David. St. Luke adds, Luke 19:37, “When they were come to the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and to praise God with a loud voice, for all the mighty works which they had seen.” Especially, as is noted in John 12:18, for the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. This was the primary cause why the people went out to meet him.

Mark 11:13 . Seeing a figtree afar off, having leaves. Green figs appear before the leaves; the foliage indicated the figs to be large. Some difficulties attendant on this occurrence are relieved by oriental travellers. First, that the passover that year fell late, that is, in the beginning of April, the time of the barley harvest. It appears, from Hosea 9:10, that figs were ripe at twice. “I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the figtree at her first time.” The first figs would of course be nearly ready at that time. It is not to be doubted, that anybody in Jerusalem would take exceptions at the words of the evangelists. We raise objections in the colder regions, which would only excite a smile in the east.

Mark 11:21 . Behold, the figtree which thou cursedst, κατηρασω , devote, by a sentence of barrenness, is withered away. It was needful at this time to support the disciples with a strong and impressive figure, that judaism should wither away, and under a curse which the jews to this day cannot shake off, because they bitterly fight against God. It was needful also to support them with the figure, that Christ, the true vine, should ever flourish, and glorify God by bringing forth much fruit. John 15:1-11. Isaiah 65:15. See the Reflections on Matthew 21:0.