Topical Encyclopedia The fig tree holds a significant place in biblical literature, symbolizing prosperity, peace, and divine blessing. Its fruit, the fig, is not only a staple in the diet of the ancient Near East but also a valuable commodity, often sent as a gift or present in various contexts.Biblical References and Context The fig tree is one of the first plants mentioned by name in the Bible, appearing in the Garden of Eden narrative where Adam and Eve use fig leaves to cover themselves (Genesis 3:7). This early mention underscores the fig tree's longstanding presence and importance in biblical history. In the context of sending presents, the fruit of the fig tree is highlighted in several passages. One notable instance is found in 1 Samuel 25:18, where Abigail, the wife of Nabal, prepares a generous gift for David to appease his anger. The gift includes "two hundred cakes of pressed figs" among other items, demonstrating the fig's value and desirability as a gift. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys." Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 12:40, the abundance of food brought to David at Hebron includes figs, indicating their role in hospitality and celebration. The BSB states: "And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep, for there was joy in Israel." Cultural and Symbolic Significance In ancient Israel, the fig tree was a symbol of peace and prosperity. Its fruit was a sign of blessing and abundance, often associated with the Promised Land's fertility. The sending of figs as presents can be seen as an act of goodwill, a gesture of peace, or a means to secure favor and friendship. The fig tree's fruitfulness is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the spiritual state of Israel. In Jeremiah 24, the prophet uses the imagery of good and bad figs to convey God's judgment and blessing upon the people of Judah. The good figs represent those who will be restored and blessed, while the bad figs symbolize those who will face destruction. Practical Uses and Economic Value Figs were a vital part of the diet in biblical times, consumed fresh or dried. Dried figs, in particular, were a practical choice for long journeys or as provisions during times of scarcity due to their long shelf life. This practicality made them an ideal gift, as they could be easily transported and stored. The economic value of figs is further emphasized by their inclusion in trade and tribute. As a commodity, figs were exchanged in markets and used in trade with neighboring regions, contributing to the economic stability and wealth of Israel. Conclusion The fig tree and its fruit are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving as symbols of prosperity, peace, and divine favor. The act of sending figs as presents reflects their cultural and economic significance, highlighting their role in fostering relationships and conveying goodwill. Through these biblical accounts, the fig tree emerges as a powerful emblem of God's provision and blessing. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 25:18Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 12:40 Library Deliverance from Assyria Man's Chief End "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble Chronology of the Life of Christ. The Gospel of John It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... The Barren Fig-Tree; Heralds of the Morning. New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake ... Resources How many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, "this generation will not pass"? | 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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