The two baskets of figs symbolize two parts of the people. But the true difference between them does not lie at all in the fact that some have already ended up in captivity and tasted the disasters and hardships of wartime, while the others still have this ahead of them - what matters far more...
The two baskets of figs symbolize two parts of the people. But the true difference between them does not lie at all in the fact that some have already ended up in captivity and tasted the disasters and hardships of wartime, while the others still have this ahead of them. What matters far more is the inner response to these trials.
The two robbers crucified beside the Savior experienced exactly the same sufferings on the cross, but their responses were different, and the conclusions they reached in the face of death became diametrically opposed. So it is here: different representatives of one and the same people do not respond in the same way to the same sufferings. And yet part of the people, even if for now a smaller part, has already entered the path of repentance; this path will be long, but it will bear good fruit.
Those who are likened to bad figs and have not yet taken the path toward the Lord also have the possibility of repentance. But for now they are not such people - and they are going toward death, which is vividly shown by the rotting of the discarded fruit.
24 Under the type of good and bad figs, Jer 24:1-3.
He fore - shews the return of some from captivity, Jer 24:4-7.
and the ruin of Zedekiah and the rest, Jer 24:8-10.
24:1 And behold - Probably a vision.
24:5 Acknowledge - I will acknowledge them for their good; I will shew them favour, being of the number of those who were not leaders to sin, but led away by the ill example of others, and who being carried away grew sensible of their sins, and so accepted of the punishment of their iniquities.