Topical Encyclopedia The fig tree holds significant symbolism and practical importance throughout the Bible, often representing prosperity, peace, and divine judgment. The fruit of the fig tree, known for its sweetness and nutritional value, was a staple in the diet of ancient Near Eastern peoples, including the Israelites. The gathering and storing of figs in baskets is a practice mentioned in several biblical passages, illustrating both the agricultural practices of the time and deeper spiritual truths.Biblical References and Symbolism The fig tree is first mentioned in Genesis 3:7, where Adam and Eve use fig leaves to cover themselves after the Fall, indicating the tree's early presence in the biblical narrative. The fruit of the fig tree is often associated with abundance and blessing. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the Promised Land is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey," highlighting the fig tree as a symbol of the land's fertility and God's provision. The practice of gathering figs and storing them in baskets is depicted in Jeremiah 24:1-2, where the prophet sees two baskets of figs placed before the temple of the Lord. One basket contains very good figs, like those that ripen early, while the other contains very bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten. This vision serves as a metaphor for the fate of the people of Judah, with the good figs representing those who will be preserved and restored, and the bad figs symbolizing those who will face destruction. Agricultural Practices In ancient Israel, figs were typically harvested in late summer. The process involved shaking the tree or using a long pole to knock the ripe figs to the ground, where they were then gathered into baskets. This method is alluded to in Nahum 3:12, which states, "All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe figs; when shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater." The gathered figs were often dried and stored in baskets for later consumption, providing a reliable food source throughout the year. This practice is reflected in the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9, where the owner of a vineyard comes seeking fruit on a fig tree and finds none, symbolizing the expectation of fruitfulness and the consequences of barrenness. Spiritual Lessons The fig tree and its fruit are frequently used in Scripture to convey spiritual lessons. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the fig tree as a teaching tool. In Matthew 21:18-19, Jesus curses a barren fig tree, causing it to wither, as a demonstration of the judgment that comes upon those who appear fruitful but are spiritually barren. This act serves as a warning to the religious leaders of the time and a call to genuine repentance and faith. Moreover, the fig tree is a sign of the times in eschatological teachings. In Matthew 24:32-33, Jesus says, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door." Here, the fig tree serves as a metaphor for recognizing the signs of the coming kingdom of God. In summary, the fig tree and its fruit, gathered and kept in baskets, are rich in biblical symbolism and practical significance. They illustrate themes of provision, judgment, and the call to spiritual fruitfulness, serving as a reminder of God's expectations and the blessings of obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 24:1The LORD showed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts of Andrew and Matthias Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Israel's Hope Encouraged; Resources Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? | GotQuestions.org Why is there a curse associated with hanging on a tree? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Fig-Tree: (Barren) of Mere Professors of Religion The Fig-Tree: (Sitting Under One's Own) Prosperity and Peace The Fig-Tree: A Species of, Produced Vile and Worthless Fruit The Fig-Tree: Abounded in Canaan The Fig-Tree: Abounded in Egypt The Fig-Tree: Afforded a Thick Shade The Fig-Tree: Failure of, a Great Calamity The Fig-Tree: Fruit of (Bad) of Wicked Men The Fig-Tree: Fruit of (First Ripe) of the Fathers of the Jewish Church The Fig-Tree: Fruit of (Good) of Saints The Fig-Tree: Fruit of (Untimely and Dropping) the Wicked Ripe for Judgment The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Eaten Dried in Cakes The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Eaten Fresh from the Tree The Fig-Tree: Fruit of First Ripe Esteemed The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Gathered and Kept in Baskets The Fig-Tree: Fruit of of Good Works The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Sent As Presents The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Sold in the Markets The Fig-Tree: Fruit of Used in the Miraculous Healing of Hezekiah The Fig-Tree: Fruit of, Formed After Winter The Fig-Tree: Leaves of, Put Forth, a Sign of the Approach of Summer The Fig-Tree: Leaves of, Used by Adam for Covering The Fig-Tree: Not Found in Desert Places The Fig-Tree: Often Unfruitful The Fig-Tree: Produces a Rich Sweet Fruit The Fig-Tree: Propagated by the Jews The Fig-Tree: Reasonableness of Expecting Fruit Upon, when Full of Leaves The Fig-Tree: Required Cultivation The Fig-Tree: Sometimes Planted in Vineyards The Fig-Tree: The Jews Punished by Barking and Eating of, by Locusts The Fig-Tree: The Jews Punished by Enemies Devouring Fruit of The Fig-Tree: The Jews Punished by Failure of Fruit On The Fig-Tree: The Jews Punished by God's Breaking Down Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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