Jeremiah 24:2

One basket [had] very good figs, [even] like the figs [that are] first ripe: and the other basket [had] very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

One {H259} basket {H1731} had very {H3966} good {H2896} figs {H8384}, even like the figs {H8384} that are first ripe {H1073}: and the other {H259} basket {H1731} had very {H3966} naughty {H7451} figs {H8384}, which could not be eaten {H398}, they were so bad {H7455}.

One of the baskets had in it very good figs, like those that ripen first; while the other basket had very bad figs, so bad that they were inedible.

One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten.

One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first-ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

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Commentary

Jeremiah 24:2 is part of a vivid prophetic vision given to the prophet Jeremiah, serving as a powerful allegory for God's judgment and future plans for the people of Judah. This verse, following the introduction of the vision in Jeremiah 24:1, sets the stage for distinguishing between two distinct groups of people.

Context of the Fig Vision

This prophecy occurs shortly after the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC, when King Jehoiachin, along with the elite of Jerusalem, was taken into exile (2 Kings 24:14-16). The vision of the two baskets of figs represents two groups among the Jewish people: those already exiled with Jehoiachin, and those remaining in Judah under Zedekiah, including those who would later flee to Egypt. The "very good figs" symbolize the exiles whom God intended to preserve and restore, while the "very naughty figs" represent those left in Jerusalem and those who would resist God's will, facing severe judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Distinction: God's ability and prerogative to discern between individuals and groups based on their spiritual condition and response to His word. The figs illustrate a clear separation.
  • Hope for the Exiles: Contrary to human perception, those taken into exile were, in God's eyes, the "good figs" destined for restoration and a future with Him. This is elaborated in Jeremiah 24:5-7, where God promises to acknowledge them for good and bring them back.
  • Judgment for the Rebellious: The "very naughty figs" represent the unrepentant remnant in Jerusalem and those who would later flee to Egypt. Their fate is one of severe judgment and dispersion, as described in Jeremiah 24:8-10.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "first ripe" for the good figs translates the Hebrew bikkurot (ื‘ึผึดื›ึผื•ึผืจื•ึนืช), which refers to the earliest and often best fruits of a season. These were highly prized and sometimes offered as firstfruits to God, symbolizing blessing and divine favor. The term "naughty" for the bad figs comes from the Hebrew ra'ot (ืจึธืขึนืช), meaning "evil," "bad," or "worthless." It emphasizes their utterly spoiled and unusable nature, reflecting their moral and spiritual corruption in God's sight.

Practical Application

This vision encourages believers to consider their own spiritual state and their response to God's word. Are we among the "good figs" who, even in difficult circumstances, seek God and allow Him to refine us for His purposes? Or are we like the "naughty figs," resistant to correction and spiritually corrupt? The passage reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances and circumstances, distinguishing between those who truly follow Him and those who do not. It underscores the importance of a repentant heart and obedience, even when facing hardship, as God promises to give a new heart to those He restores.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 5:4

    What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

  • Isaiah 5:7

    For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

  • Micah 7:1

    ยถ Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: [there is] no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.

  • Hosea 9:10

    I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.

  • Ezekiel 15:2

    Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, [or than] a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

  • Ezekiel 15:5

    Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?

  • Jeremiah 24:5

    Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for [their] good.
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