Jeremiah 24:3
"Jeremiah," the LORD asked, "what do you see?" "Figs!" I replied. "The good figs are very good, but the bad figs are very bad, so bad they cannot be eaten."
Then the LORD said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. This divine interaction underscores the prophetic authority of Jeremiah, as he receives revelation directly from God, a common theme in the prophetic books where God initiates communication to guide, warn, or instruct His people.

What do you see, Jeremiah?
God's question to Jeremiah is not merely about physical sight but spiritual insight. The Hebrew word for "see" is "ra'ah," which can mean to perceive or understand. This question invites Jeremiah to discern the spiritual reality behind the vision. It reflects a common prophetic experience where God uses visions to convey deeper truths, requiring the prophet to interpret and understand the divine message.

Figs, I replied
Figs are a significant agricultural product in ancient Israel, often symbolizing prosperity and blessing. The Hebrew word for "figs" is "te'enim." In the context of this vision, figs represent the people of Judah. The use of figs as a symbol is rooted in the agrarian culture of the time, where the health of fig trees was directly related to the well-being of the community.

The good figs are very good
The repetition of "good" in Hebrew, "tov," emphasizes the quality and desirability of these figs. In the biblical context, "good" often denotes moral and spiritual integrity. Here, the good figs symbolize the faithful remnant of Judah, those who will be preserved and restored. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s faithfulness to preserve a remnant despite widespread unfaithfulness.

but the bad figs are very bad
The contrast between the good and bad figs highlights the moral and spiritual dichotomy within the people of Judah. The Hebrew word for "bad" is "ra," which can mean evil or harmful. The bad figs represent those who have turned away from God, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness. This serves as a warning of judgment for those who do not follow God’s ways.

so bad they cannot be eaten
This phrase underscores the severity of the condition of the bad figs. Inedible figs symbolize utter corruption and uselessness. The imagery of inedibility conveys the idea that those who are spiritually corrupt are beyond remedy, destined for judgment. This reflects the biblical principle that persistent rebellion against God leads to destruction, reinforcing the call to repentance and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He is known for his prophecies of judgment and restoration.

2. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates with Jeremiah and provides him with visions and messages for His people.

3. Figs
In Jeremiah 24:3, figs are used as a symbolic representation of the people of Judah. The vision includes two baskets of figs, one good and one bad, symbolizing different groups within the nation.

4. Babylonian Exile
The context of this vision is the impending Babylonian exile, where the people of Judah will be taken captive. This event is central to understanding the message of hope and judgment in Jeremiah's prophecy.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Figs
The vision of the figs in Jeremiah 24:3 serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual state of the people. The good figs represent those who will be preserved and restored, while the bad figs symbolize those who will face judgment. This teaches us about the importance of spiritual health and faithfulness to God.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
The passage underscores God's sovereign control over nations and individuals. It reminds us that God is just and will judge sin, but He is also merciful and provides hope for restoration.

Hope in Exile
Even in the midst of judgment, God offers hope. The good figs represent those who will return and be restored. This encourages us to trust in God's promises, even in difficult circumstances.

Personal Reflection and Repentance
The imagery of the figs invites us to examine our own lives. Are we producing good fruit? This calls for personal reflection and repentance, aligning our lives with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the symbolism of the good and bad figs in Jeremiah 24:3 challenge us to evaluate our own spiritual fruitfulness?

2. In what ways does the context of the Babylonian exile enhance our understanding of God's message through Jeremiah?

3. How can the themes of judgment and restoration in Jeremiah 24:3 be applied to our personal walk with God today?

4. What connections can you draw between the symbolism of the figs and Jesus' teachings on fruitfulness in the New Testament?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Jeremiah 24:3 provide comfort and assurance in times of personal or communal crisis?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 28
The blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy provide a backdrop for understanding the consequences of obedience and disobedience, which are symbolized by the good and bad figs.

Matthew 7:17-20
Jesus' teaching on good and bad fruit can be connected to the symbolism of the figs, emphasizing the importance of spiritual fruitfulness and integrity.

Romans 11:17-24
Paul's discussion of the olive tree and the grafting in of branches can be related to the idea of God's people being represented by agricultural imagery, highlighting themes of judgment and restoration.
Calamity with God and Without HimA.F. Muir Jeremiah 24:1-10
Punished for Salvation; Left Alone for DestructionA.F. Muir Jeremiah 24:1-10
The Good and Bad FigsD. Young Jeremiah 24:1-10
The Two Baskets of FigsS. Conway Jeremiah 24:1-10
The Two Baskets of Figs; Or, Predetermining InfluencesA.F. Muir Jeremiah 24:1-10
Figs Good and BadJ. Parker, D. D.Jeremiah 24:2-3
Reflections on Some of the Characteristics of the Age We Live InT. G. Horon.Jeremiah 24:2-3
Two Baskets of FigsA London MinisterJeremiah 24:2-3
People
Babylonians, Jeconiah, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Zedekiah
Places
Babylon, Egypt, Jerusalem
Topics
Bad, Badness, Can't, Due, Eaten, Evil, Figs, Jeremiah, Ones, Poor, Rottenness, Seeing, Seest
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 24:1-10

     4440   fig-tree

Library
The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch:
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

The New Covenant
"But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."--JER. xxxi. 33, 34. ISAIAH has often been called
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
"And they entered into the covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and all their soul."--2 CHRON. xv. 12 (see xxxiv. 31, and 2 Kings xxiii. 3). "The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul."--DEUT. xxx. 6. "And I will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God: for they shall turn to Me with their whole heart."--JER. xxiv. 7 (see xxix. 13).
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Jeremiah 24:3 NIV
Jeremiah 24:3 NLT
Jeremiah 24:3 ESV
Jeremiah 24:3 NASB
Jeremiah 24:3 KJV

Jeremiah 24:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Jeremiah 24:2
Top of Page
Top of Page