And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure.
This parable is intended to enforce that word of warning immediately going before, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish; except you be reformed, you will be ruined, as the barren tree, except it bring forth fruit, will be cut down." I. This parable primarily refers to the nation and people of the Jews.
Commenting on Luke 13:6-9
And he answering, said unto him, Lord,.... Which, if understood of God the Father, may intend the intercession of Christ with him, who not only intercedes for his elect, for those that are unconverted, that they may be converted; and for converted ones, for the carrying on of the work of sanctification; for fresh discoveries of pardoning grace; for consolation and support under trouble; for...
he answering, &c.--Christ, as Intercessor, loath to see it cut down so long as there was any hope (see Luk 13:34). dig, &c.--loosen the earth about it and enrich it with manure; pointing to changes of method in the divine treatment of the impenitent, in order to freshen spiritual culture.