Sabbath, January 25 – Jeremiah 24, 25 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 34, “Jeremiah”
Study Questions:
1. Who do the good figs in Jeremiah 24 represent, and who do the bad figs represent? (Jeremiah 24:4, 8)
2. How long would God’s people remain captive in Babylon? (Jeremiah 25:11, 12)
Commentary and Reflection:
We are now reading messages corresponding to the time of captivity. “The context suggests that the vision came soon after Jehoiachin was taken captive (597 b.c.), possibly before the end of the year.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Jeremiah 24:1)
When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered the kingdom of Judah, he took King Jehoiachin and many useful people captive, including warriors, artisans, and blacksmiths. This was likely done to prevent those remaining from building weapons or waging war and to benefit Babylon with their skills. Those who stayed behind were left under the authority of Zedekiah, Jehoiachin’s uncle. This story is further detailed in 2 Kings 24.
The vision in Jeremiah 24 relates to these events and the two groups of people: those taken captive and those left behind. God showed the prophet two baskets of figs—one with delicious figs, like early ripe fruit, and the other with very bad figs, so bad they could not be eaten. Early figs were considered the best. Once again, God uses an illustration to communicate His message clearly, employing a simple yet powerful metaphor from nature.
Both the captives and those left behind misunderstood their circumstances. Those taken to Babylon felt sorrowful, believing they were under God’s punishment, while those left in Jerusalem assumed they had God’s favor because they remained in their land. However, the vision reveals the opposite.
The good figs represented the exiles in Babylon. God allowed them to be taken captive “for their good” (Jeremiah 24:5). Through the trial of captivity, they would recognize their sin, turn to God, and experience spiritual restoration. Sometimes, God allows situations we don’t understand, but we must trust His purpose and plan.
To the captives, God promised that He had not forgotten them. He gave them a precious promise of physical and spiritual restoration. God’s plans are always better than ours.
On the other hand, the bad figs represented those who remained in Jerusalem because they continued in their sinful ways. They trusted in alliances with Egypt, thinking they could escape Babylon’s invasion. However, Jeremiah warned them that their end would be humiliating and tragic.
In Jeremiah 25, the prophet reminds the people of a prophecy he received from the Lord in the third year of Jehoiakim’s reign. For 23 years, Jeremiah had been warning the people: “I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not listened.” (Jeremiah 25:3). Not only Jeremiah, but other prophets had also delivered God’s warnings (Jeremiah 25:4, 5).
The Andrews Bible Commentary explains God’s judgment and future hope: “God then announced that because of their refusal to hear/obey, He would send His servant Nebuchadnezzar against Judah and the nations all around, resulting in their destruction (25:8-9). The life and joy of the community would disappear (v. 10; cf. 7:34; 16:9; 33:11).
The land of Judah and its neighbors was to become desolate, and they would serve the king of Babylon seventy years (v. 11). After that, God would punish Babylon for its iniquity and make it a perpetual desolation (v. 12; cf. 50:1-51:58).” (Andrews Bible Commentary, Jeremiah 25:1-14
There is hope for God’s people! When He announces judgment, He also announces deliverance. Such is His compassion and mercy.
From Jeremiah 25:15 onward, in a symbolic vision, God gives Jeremiah a cup of wine filled with His wrath to make all nations drink. This imagery represents the coming judgment upon the nations.
The final verses (Jeremiah 25:30–38) apply to the final judgment. God’s wrath would not remain upon His people forever. He set a defined time limit for Babylon’s rule and promised to do special work for His people. They would no longer turn back to idolatry but would receive a new heart, obedient to His commandments (Jeremiah 24:7).
We must remain sensitive to God’s messages and trust His promises. Even when evil prevails, God will act at His appointed time from His holy dwelling.
May His abundant blessings be upon you and your family today.
May these reflections strengthen our faith and inspire us to walk faithfully with God.
May God’s consolation and hope be with you today.
Pastor Abel Paulin