when ye stand praying The posture of prayer among the Jews seems to have been most often standing;comp. the instance of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:26), and of the Pharisee (Luke 18:11). When the prayer was offered with especial solemnity and humiliation, this was naturally expressed by (a) kneeling;comp. the instance of Solomon (1 Kings 8:54), and Daniel (Mark 6:10); or (b) prostration, as Joshua (Mark 7:6), and Elijah (1 Kings 18:42).

forgive In this place, where our Lord connects the strong assurance of the marvellous power of faith with the cursing of the fig-tree, He passes on most naturally to declare how such a faith could not be sundered from forgiving love, that it should never be used in the service of hate or fanaticism.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising