* they saw.
   Matthew informs us that this tree grew by the way-side, and
   was therefore not private, but public property; so that the
   destruction of it really injured no one.  Our Lord was pleased
   to make use of this miracle to prefigure the speedy ruin of
   the Jewish nation, on account of its unfruitfulness under
   greater advantages than any other people enjoyed at that day;
   and, like all the rest of his miracles, it was done with a
   gracious intention, to alarm his countrymen, and induce them
   to repent.

 * See on ver.
  14  Job 18:16,17  20:5-7  Isa 5:4  40:24  Mt 13:6  15:13  21:19,20 
  Joh 15:6  Heb 6:8  Jude 1:12