Jeremiah 24:6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.

For I will set {H7760} mine eyes {H5869} upon them for good {H2896}, and I will bring them again {H7725} to this land {H776}: and I will build {H1129} them, and not pull them down {H2040}; and I will plant {H5193} them, and not pluck them up {H5428}.

"'I will look after them for their good, I will bring them back to this land; I will build them up and not tear them down, plant them and not pull them up.

I will keep My eyes on them for good and will return them to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them.

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.

Jeremiah 24:6 is a profound promise of divine favor and restoration, part of Jeremiah's vision of the two baskets of figs. This verse specifically refers to the "good figs," representing the exiled people of Judah whom God purposed to bring back to their land after the Babylonian captivity.

Context

Chapter 24 opens with the prophet Jeremiah seeing two baskets of figs placed before the temple, a vision given by the Lord. One basket contained very good figs, while the other held very bad, inedible figs. The good figs symbolize the exiles who had already been taken to Babylon, including King Jeconiah and the skilled craftsmen (2 Kings 24:15). These were the ones God promised to watch over and ultimately restore. In contrast, the bad figs represented King Zedekiah, his officials, and those who remained in Jerusalem, along with those who had fled to Egypt, for whom a severe judgment was reserved (Jeremiah 24:8-10). Thus, Jeremiah 24:6 is a message of hope and future blessing directed towards a specific remnant amidst widespread national judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Favor: The phrase "I will set mine eyes upon them for good" signifies God's benevolent, active, and watchful care over His people. It's a promise of His unwavering attention for their well-being, even during a period of judgment and exile.
  • Restoration and Return: The core promise is "I will bring them again to this land." This speaks directly to the end of the Babylonian exile and the physical return of the remnant to the land of Israel, fulfilling God's covenant promises.
  • Permanent Rebuilding and Establishment: The parallel promises, "I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up," emphasize the permanence and security of God's restorative work. Unlike previous periods where God "plucked up and pulled down" nations, here He pledges to establish them firmly, signifying an enduring future. This echoes God's commission to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:10, but now with a focus solely on positive construction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used in this verse convey a powerful message of divine action and reversal. "To set mine eyes upon them for good" uses the root śîm ʿayin ʿal (to set the eye upon), combined with ṭôb (good), indicating a deliberate, benevolent oversight. The paired verbs banah (to build) and haras (to pull down), and nataʿ (to plant) and natash (to pluck up), are frequently used in prophetic literature to describe God's sovereign acts of judgment and restoration. Here, the emphasis on building and planting without pulling down or plucking up highlights God's intention for a stable, lasting future for the restored remnant.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 24:6 offers timeless truths for believers today. It reminds us that even in times of difficulty, displacement, or consequence for sin, God's eye is always upon His people for good. This verse assures us of God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. It encourages us to trust in His plan for ultimate restoration and establishment, both individually and collectively. Like the "good figs," we can find hope in God's commitment to build us up and plant us firmly in His purpose, ensuring our spiritual growth and security.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 42:10

    If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:10

    For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

  • Jeremiah 33:7

    And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first.

  • Jeremiah 12:15

    And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

  • Jeremiah 32:41

    Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

  • Jeremiah 1:10

    See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

  • Psalms 34:15

    The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.
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