The symbolism of the bad figs is primarily derived from the prophetic imagery found in the Book of Jeremiah, specifically in Jeremiah 24. This chapter presents a vision given to the prophet Jeremiah, where two baskets of figs are set before the temple of the LORD. One basket contains very good figs, while the other contains very bad figs, so bad that they cannot be eaten.

Biblical Context

In Jeremiah 24:1-3 , the vision is described: "After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with the officials, the craftsmen, and the artisans from Jerusalem and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD. One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket had very bad figs, so bad they could not be eaten."

Interpretation of the Bad Figs

The bad figs symbolize the people of Judah who remained in Jerusalem or fled to Egypt after the first wave of exile to Babylon. In Jeremiah 24:8-10 , the LORD explains the meaning of the bad figs: "But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten, says the LORD, so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. I will make them a horror and an evil to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach and a byword, a taunt and a curse, in all the places to which I banish them. I will send the sword, famine, and plague against them until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers."

Theological Significance

The bad figs represent the unfaithfulness and disobedience of the people who refused to heed God's warnings through the prophets. Their decision to remain in the land or flee to Egypt, rather than submitting to the Babylonian exile as God had instructed, is seen as a rejection of God's will. This disobedience results in severe judgment, as symbolized by the inedible, rotten figs.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The symbolism of the bad figs serves as a warning against disobedience and the rejection of God's guidance. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it involves hardship or exile. The bad figs illustrate the consequences of turning away from God's commands and seeking security in human alliances or personal plans, rather than in God's promises.

Application for Believers

For believers, the lesson of the bad figs is a call to faithfulness and trust in God's sovereignty. It encourages a posture of submission to God's will, even in difficult circumstances, and a reliance on His wisdom rather than human understanding. The imagery of the bad figs serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience to God's word.