Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Barren Fig-Tree explained
This poem, based on Luke 13:6-9, uses the parable of the barren fig tree to illustrate the church as a garden where believers are like trees.
What happens
This poem, based on Luke 13:6-9, uses the parable of the barren fig tree to illustrate the church as a garden where believers are like trees. Some trees, though appearing promising, produce only leaves and no fruit, representing those who lack true grace. The gardener (representing Christ or the minister) labors in vain and pleads with the Lord to spare the tree one more year, promising renewed efforts. The poem warns that if no fruits of grace appear despite means of grace, God will eventually cut down the barren tree.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The gardener's plea for another year of mercy highlights God's gracious forbearance despite the tree's lack of fruit.
Human Sinfulness and Depravity
The barren fig tree represents those who profess faith but show no fruits of grace, illustrating human sinfulness and spiritual barrenness.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The under gardener who intercedes for the barren fig tree, pleading for another year of grace.
- God
The Lord who owns the garden and decrees the fate of the barren fig tree, representing divine judgment.
- The Saints
Believers who stand like ornamental trees, fruitful by God's Spirit.
Key passages
“The church a garden is, In which believers stand Like ornamental trees Planted by God’s own hand!”
The church is like a garden where believers are like decorative trees, planted by God Himself.
This opening stanza establishes the metaphor of the church as a cultivated garden.
“But other trees there are In this enclosure grow, Which, though they promise fair, Have only leaves to show:”
But there are other trees in this garden that look promising but produce only leaves, no fruit.
These trees represent nominal Christians who lack genuine spiritual fruit.
“His last relief is earnest prayer, “Lord, spare them yet another year.”
His final resort is to pray earnestly, 'Lord, spare them for one more year.'
The gardener's prayer reflects Christ's intercession for sinners.
“If under means of grace No gracious fruits appear, It is a dreadful case, Though God may long forbear:”
If despite the means of grace no fruits of grace appear, it is a terrible situation, even though God may be patient for a long time.
The poem warns that prolonged impenitence leads to inevitable judgment.