Jeremiah 24:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 24:6 presents a profound divine promise of restoration and enduring favor for the exiles from Judah, symbolized as "good figs." Despite their displacement, God pledges His benevolent oversight, a certain return to their homeland, and a permanent work of rebuilding and re-establishing them. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them of a future marked by security, prosperity, and His steadfast presence, even amidst widespread judgment and national upheaval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 24 opens with a vivid prophetic vision granted to Jeremiah after King Jeconiah, the queen mother, court officials, and skilled craftsmen had been taken into exile in Babylon (around 597 BC). The vision depicts two baskets of figs placed before the temple: one containing "very good figs," the other "very bad figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad." The Lord then interprets this vision, identifying the "good figs" with those already exiled to Babylon, promising them a future of restoration and blessing. In contrast, the "bad figs" represent King Zedekiah, his officials, those remaining in Jerusalem, and those who had fled to Egypt, upon whom severe judgment is pronounced. Thus, Jeremiah 24:6 is a direct divine declaration of hope and specific promises directed toward the "good figs," setting them apart from the imminent and severe judgment awaiting the "bad figs" described in [Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - The Bad Figs").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the tumultuous period leading up to and immediately following the Babylonian exile. Judah was caught between the competing empires of Egypt and Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had already carried off a significant portion of Judah's elite in 597 BC, including the prophet Ezekiel. This initial wave of exiles, despite their displacement, were considered by God to be the "good figs" because their removal from Jerusalem spared them from the final, devastating siege and destruction of the city that was yet to come. The promise to "bring them again to this land" directly addresses the trauma of forced displacement and the deep longing for return to the ancestral land, which was central to Israelite identity and their covenant relationship with God. The agricultural metaphors of "building" and "planting" resonate deeply with an agrarian society, signifying stability, growth, and permanence, contrasting sharply with the "pulling down" and "plucking up" that characterized God's judgment upon rebellious nations and even Judah itself, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 24:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Discrimination in Judgment**. Even in judgment, God distinguishes between segments of His people, exercising His sovereign will to preserve a remnant for future blessing. Secondly, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Restoration and Return**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature that offers hope beyond exile and devastation. This return is not merely physical but also spiritual, implying a renewed covenant relationship. Thirdly, the promises to "build" and "plant" without "pulling down" or "plucking up" emphasize **God's Unilateral Commitment to Permanent Establishment**. This signifies a reversal of the judgment pronounced against Judah and a pledge of enduring security and prosperity for the faithful remnant. This promise of lasting stability contrasts sharply with the impermanence of human kingdoms and the consequences of disobedience, reinforcing God's ultimate faithfulness to His long-term redemptive plan for His people, as also seen in the covenant promises of [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - Promises of Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word signifies "good" in the widest sense, encompassing beauty, favor, prosperity, and well-being. When God sets His eyes upon them "for good," it implies a deliberate, benevolent, and active intention to bring about their welfare, flourishing, and ultimate benefit, even through the crucible of exile. It speaks to God's positive disposition and purposeful action towards the exiles.
* **Build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, this primitive root means to construct, establish, or restore, both literally and figuratively. In this context, it refers to God's active work of reconstructing the community, its institutions, and its spiritual life. It is a promise of re-establishment from a state of ruin, signifying not just physical rebuilding of the land and cities, but also the restoration of their social and spiritual fabric.
* **Plant (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ'_):** From H5193, this root means to strike in, fix, or plant. It is an agricultural metaphor signifying deep establishment, secure rooting, and the promise of growth and fruitfulness. When God promises to "plant them," it conveys the idea of firmly settling His people in their land, ensuring their stability, security, and sustained prosperity, much like a tree that is deeply rooted and thrives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will set mine eyes upon them for good":** This clause reveals God's active, intentional, and benevolent gaze upon the "good figs." It is not a passive observation but a purposeful focus aimed at their welfare and prosperity. God's "eyes" signify His omniscient awareness and His direct, favorable intervention in their lives, even in the midst of their suffering and exile.
* **"and I will bring them again to this land":** This is a direct promise of physical return from Babylonian captivity to the land of Judah. It speaks to the reversal of their displacement and the fulfillment of God's covenant promise regarding the land, signifying the end of their exile and the restoration of their national identity and dwelling place.
* **"and I will build them, and not pull [them] down":** This powerful declaration uses the metaphor of construction to promise the restoration and strengthening of the people. "Build them" implies not just rebuilding cities and infrastructure but also reconstituting their community, their spiritual life, and their national strength. The emphatic "and not pull [them] down" guarantees the permanence and security of this divine work, indicating that this restoration will be lasting and not subject to further destruction by God's hand.
* **"and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up":** Complementing the "build" metaphor, "plant them" uses an agricultural image to convey deep establishment and secure rooting. It assures that God will settle them firmly in the land, enabling growth and flourishing. The parallel "and not pluck [them] up" reinforces the promise of permanence, signifying that they will not again be uprooted or displaced, but will enjoy enduring stability and fruitfulness under God's protective care.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 24:6 is rich with **Parallelism**, particularly **synonymous parallelism** and **antithetical parallelism**. The phrases "I will build them, and not pull [them] down" and "I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up" demonstrate both. The positive actions ("build," "plant") are paired with their negative counterparts ("not pull down," "not pluck up"), emphasizing the absolute and permanent nature of God's restorative work. This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, highlighting the completeness and irreversibility of the promised blessing. Furthermore, the verse employs striking **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, drawing heavily from the realms of architecture ("build," "pull down") and agriculture ("plant," "pluck up"). These familiar images make God's abstract promises tangible and relatable, conveying ideas of stability, growth, and security. The phrase "set mine eyes upon them for good" is an example of **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing human characteristics (eyes, gaze) to God to convey His personal, watchful, and benevolent care for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 24:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His redemptive purposes, even in the midst of judgment. It reveals a God who is not merely reactive but proactively involved in the destiny of His people, distinguishing between those who are preserved for future blessing and those who face continued judgment. The promise of return, rebuilding, and replanting signifies a divine reversal of the curses of exile and a reaffirmation of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, particularly concerning the land and the flourishing of God's people within it. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God always preserves a remnant, a chosen few through whom His promises will be fulfilled and His redemptive plan advanced. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His people, ensuring their ultimate restoration and establishment, not based on their merit, but on His sovereign grace and immutable character.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - The Lord will restore and gather them")
* [Psalm 33:18](/psalm/33-18 "Psalm 33:18 - The Lord's eye is on those who fear Him")
* [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - The Righteous Branch and the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 24:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often marked by displacement, uncertainty, and the consequences of sin, this verse reminds us that God's sovereign gaze is always upon His people "for good." It assures us that even when we experience periods of spiritual or personal "exile"—times of hardship, brokenness, or feeling far from God—His intention for us is ultimately restoration and flourishing. We are called to trust in His promise to "build" and "plant" us, recognizing that His work in our lives is enduring and purposeful. This means embracing the process of spiritual growth, allowing God to re-establish us in His truth and purpose, and finding security not in our circumstances, but in His unwavering commitment to our well-being. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties to the faithful God who is actively working to bring about our ultimate good and secure our future in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "pulled down" or "plucked up," and how does the promise of God to "build" and "plant" you speak to those feelings?**
* **How does understanding God's "eyes upon them for good" change your perspective on current challenges or periods of waiting?**
* **What practical steps can you take to allow God to "build" and "plant" you more firmly in His purposes and truth today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "good figs" versus the "bad figs" in Jeremiah 24?**

Answer: The vision of the "good figs" and "bad figs" in [Jeremiah 24](/jeremiah/24 "Jeremiah 24 - The Two Baskets of Figs") serves as a prophetic allegory to explain God's discriminatory judgment and future plans for the people of Judah. The "good figs" represent the exiles who had already been taken to Babylon (including King Jeconiah and the skilled workers) in the first deportation. Though displaced, God viewed them favorably because their exile removed them from the impending total destruction of Jerusalem and allowed for their preservation and future restoration. They were being disciplined but preserved. In contrast, the "bad figs" symbolized King Zedekiah, his officials, and those who remained in Jerusalem, along with those who had fled to Egypt. These individuals were marked for severe judgment, including further war, famine, pestilence, and utter destruction, because of their continued rebellion and refusal to heed God's warnings through His prophets. The distinction highlights God's sovereign justice and His unwavering commitment to preserve a remnant for His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 24:6, with its promise of divine oversight, return, rebuilding, and permanent planting, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While initially a promise to the physical remnant of Israel, the spiritual reality it foreshadows is realized in God's work through Christ. Jesus is the one through whom God's "eyes are set upon" humanity "for good," not merely for a physical return to a land, but for spiritual restoration and eternal life. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ gathers a new people, the church, from every nation, fulfilling the promise of a scattered people being "brought again" into God's presence ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). The promises to "build them, and not pull [them] down" and "plant them, and not pluck [them] up" are realized in the establishment of the church as God's spiritual temple and dwelling place ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), a spiritual house that Christ Himself promised to build, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Believers are "rooted and built up in him" ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")), signifying a permanent, secure, and fruitful establishment in Christ that transcends any earthly displacement or destruction. Thus, the temporal promise of Jeremiah 24:6 points to the eternal and spiritual security found in Christ, the ultimate builder and planter of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.