Israel And The Fig Tree

Q

At our Seniors Bible Study today we were discussing Matthew 21:18-20. Does the fig tree represent Israel, Jerusalem, or neither? If Israel or Jerusalem, does it mean they will never again produce fruit? What about during the Millennium?

A

Many scholars see the cursing of the fig tree in Matt. 21:18-20 as being symbolic of Israel, and it is true that from that day to this Israel has produced no fruit for the Kingdom of God. This will all change in the Millennium. Just before the 2nd Coming, Israel will recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Zech. 12:10), petition His return to save them (Hosea 6:1-2), and their sins will be forgiven (Joel 3:20-21). They will once again become God’s favored nation on Earth (Isaiah 49:22-23).