Lessons from two baskets of figs Jeremiah 24:1-10
The timing of this vision is given to us in v1. It is in the context of a second wave of captives being removed to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. The first wave had gone in the days of Jehoiakim, 2Chron 36:6-7, Dan 1:1. This was the time of Daniel’s removal to Babylon. In this second wave Ezekiel was taken at 25 years old, Ezek 1:1-2. Jehoiakim had been deposed and killed, 22:19 and he was replaced on the throne by his son Jeconiah/Jehoiachin who reigned for 3 mths. Now he too is removed, v1.
Along with him is taken many of the men of ability leaving the city impoverished and unable to prepare any kind of resistance.
There is a striking cross-reference here that can be easily missed. Cp Deut 26:1-11. Note the ref to first ripe, v2. By using this image in the vision the Lord is drawing a heavy contrast between the present condition and how things ought to have been.
I THE PROPHET’S VIEW OF CURRENT AFFAIRS.
- He addresses the present situation in the land. The contents of v1 indicate that he is preaching about things that have just happened in the city/nation. Some believe that the man of God should say nothing on such matters! National politics and military matters were subjects that the prophet addressed.
- God gave him a word. The Lord shewed me…v1. Cp v3, 4. The Lord impressed a simple message on the prophet’s heart. The process is one that has been seen before. God gave him an illustration; he simply states what he sees; God gives him the meaning/message that he must learn from the vision. Having been taught by God it becomes a part of his ministry to the people, v5, 8.
- The divine perspective. His message is simply to present God’s view of the situation. All kinds of human analysis and strategy was no doubt available! N.b. the words before the temple of the Lord…v1. How things appeared before His face was paramount.
II THE GOOD AND BAD FIGS.
The Divine purpose. This vision represented the two sides of the Divine purpose for the residents of Jerusalem/Judah. His purpose is a matter of revelation. It is a striking thing to see here in the details of the vision that the purpose of God was revealed to be very different than would have been deduced by the human onlooker. Cp v5, 8. Those involved in the good purpose of God had been taken captive; while those involved in the evil side of that purpose had been left in the city with the king! It is not always immediately clear from a human reading of circumstances, what the mind of God is. We must learn to read these circumstances through the lens of revelation.
The good purpose of God, v6-7. Several details are given of this good purpose.
- A work of restoration, v6. The Lord had determined to restore this captive remnant to the land. Losses occasioned by their transportation to Babylon would be reversed. Many years would pass by before this would happen yet it was assured! The captivity lasted 70 years and was dated from the 4th year of Jehoiakim. Only 7 of those 70 years have passed by.
- A work of grace, v7. This was much needed! Those carried to captivity were no better than those left behind. God purposed to work to reverse the spiritual condition that had brought about their apostasy and captivity as its consequence. They would be given a new heart; repent with their whole heart; and be joined to the Lord in covenant union. The return that would later occur under Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah was a gracious spiritual revival. The day would come when that restored remnant would be presented before God as a basket of the best first ripe fruit.
The evil that God purposed to leave wicked men to suffer, v8-10. Like figs left to rot, this class of men were going to be left to corrupt in their own wicked rebellion against God. Those who followed the evil course of King Zedekiah—even though they had been spared captivity—were destined to be thrown out and scattered as one might do with rotten fruit. Cp v9. This was the just end of their sin! Evil and naughty and hurt are all the same Hebrew term. Sin leads to destruction.
- They were already given up to this end. The prophet is quite particular in identifying those who will so perish, naming the king and his party. Another 11 years would pass before the end of Jerusalem came and these words were fulfilled.
- New king. Zedekiah was a brand new king—but already condemned for his wickedness. He could offer no hope even though the political spin-doctors of the day may have felt otherwise.
- Escaped from Nebuchadnezzar. They had avoided capture, were still at home etc. Many things that seemed to bode well—but wrath lay ahead sure and certain.
- The sentence of death, v10. God had declared it and would carry it through.