ISB ~ Matthew 21 v19

a fig tree:A symbol of Old Covenant Israel (Jer 8:13; Hos 9:10). Jesus curses it because it is barren and has no figs (Mk 11:21). Symbolically, then, he announces God’s curse on the unfaithful of Israel—i.e., those who refuse him as the Messiah and lack the fruits of repentance (3:8-10; 21:41, 43). Israel’s faithlessness is a negative example: the Church must learn from the nation’s mistakes and pray instead with faith and confidence (21:21; 17:20; Jas 1:6).