Symbolism+of+the+Fig+Tree

toc Scripture commonly refers to Israel using the imagery of significant plants, such as the vine and olive tree. Another common metaphor that was used of Israel, especially in the Minor Prophets, is the fig tree. The Israelites were very familiar with fig trees, and the LORD used this imagery to communicate powerful messages to His people. = Botanical description: =

The common fig tree varies in size and shape from a small shrub to a good-sized tree 20-30 feet high [1]. In Israel it was often planted in large orchards; it was also a common shade tree in public places or private gardens. Fig trees normally bear fruit twice a year, in June and in September, and a unique aspect of the plant is that it bears fruit before its leaves appear after winter. = Cultural significance: =

The fig tree held great importance for the Jews in several ways. Figs were eaten commonly as a snack or a meal supplement, dried and saved for the winter, or baked into cakes. Even when the fruit was not yet ripe, the trees produced edible buds that common people consumed. The fig cakes were considered gifts of honor, often given to highly respected people [2]. The figs themselves were used medicinally in the Middle-East to cure skin problems, e.g. boils. Fig trees also gave excellent shade, and for this reason they were often places of meeting or rest, such as in John 1 when Jesus told Nathanael that He had seen him beneath a fig tree. Sitting under a fig tree was a common metaphor for living in peace with God’s blessing: see 1 Kings 4:25 & additional references below. The fig tree was generally viewed as a symbol of prosperity and wealth, and this plays an important role in how the LORD used the fig tree in the messages of the Minor Prophets. = Symbolic use in Scripture: =

The fig tree was a common metaphor for Israel as a nation. It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically. The Scriptures provide a complete analogy of Israel and the fig tree, often broken up into steps or specific aspects of the comparison. Given below is a progressive arrangement of references to the fig tree as a symbol for Israel, specifically in the books of the Minor Prophets. Hosea 9:10 says, “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.” This verse expresses God’s delight in His people, as the Israelites might enjoy finding ripe figs before they expected them. God and Israel had a wonderful relationship that set Israel apart from all other nations. However Israel turned from worship of the True God to idolatry and prostituted themselves to gods of other nations. Because of Israel’s sin, God judged them in accordance with the curses of Deuteronomy 28- defeat, disease, drought, and ultimately destruction and exile. Amos 4:9 reminded the people that God withheld rain, and sent blight, mildew and locusts. These things, especially the locusts, affected the fig trees of the nation, which Amos used to represent the physical well-being and prosperity of Israel at the time. Yet Israel would not repent (Amos 4). Israel’s sin not only affected their spiritual state and relationship with the LORD, but also had a major impact on the physical land of Israel, including the fig trees that represented their prosperity. Joel, in the same way, used fig trees to depict the physical state of the nation. He prophesied that a supernaturally severe plague of locusts would devour all plant life in Israel. Joel 1:7, 12 predicted that the fig trees would be stripped bare of even their bark and wither away. Such was the severity of judgment on Israel as a whole, through plagues and curses such as the locust incursion; through subjugation to Assyria and Babylon; and finally into exile and disunity until the LORD would regather His people. The fig tree, the symbol of God’s blessing on Israel, was consumed by divine judgment [3]. As Israel experienced this judgment, God looked for true repentance as in Joel 2:12-17. Habakkuk 3:16-19 also summarizes the attitude that God wanted Israel to have: submission to God’s judgment and joy in following His decrees, despite the suffering that the nation experienced. Though Israel’s prosperity and freedom would be crushed- verse 17 says that the fig tree, symbolizing prosperity, would not bud- Habakkuk expressed trust in God’s justice and ultimate plan to restore Israel (Deut. 30). The LORD would sustain Israel, though their fig trees withered and their crops failed and their enemies took them captive to other lands [4]. His goal was the restoration of His people. The idea of restoration is also prominent in Haggai 2. Haggai shows how God wanted to restore Israel and bless her, despite her rebellion. Verses 15-18 summarize how the LORD judged His people by withholding material blessings, identified again with the fig tree in verse 19. The Israelites sinned by disrespecting the LORD and not making the construction of the temple a priority (Haggai 1:7-11); but when they would turn and honor the LORD above all else, He promised to bless them and bring them peace (Haggai 2:19). As promised in Deuteronomy 28 and 30, he would provide for them abundantly. Joel 2:18-27 shares this theme of material as well as spiritual blessing. In response to Israel’s repentance and cries to the LORD, He promised to reverse their predicament and bless them. He would drive their enemies far from them, He would bless the land and make it exceedingly fruitful, and He would provide far more than they needed to simply survive. The fig trees would flourish once again, according to verse 22; never again would drought or plagues befall the land, nor would the Israelites be humiliated and put to shame [5]. Micah 4 elaborates on Israel’s restoration and the LORD’s reign from Zion. Verse 1 says, “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.” The phrase translated “In the last days” is a common motif in Scriptural prophecy that deals with the Messiah’s Millennial Reign [6]. The LORD Himself will rule and settle disputes among the people of all nations; war will no longer exist, and He will gather His people to Himself. Verse 4 uses familiar imagery: “Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.” Here surfaces a common image of how peaceful the LORD’s reign on earth will be: He will be in ultimate control, and His people will trust Him completely. They will be able to rest and find peace and joy in their existence. Zechariah 3:10 shares this theme of physical and spiritual rest and restoration: “’In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” = Some New Testament Usage =

The New Testament continued using the fig tree as a metaphor for Israel. Matthew 21 and Mark 11 share the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree. Since it had leaves, it should have had fruit as well, or at least buds that Jesus could eat. Jesus’ response to the fig tree was a prophetic metaphor for God’s judgment on Israel, similar to Hosea and Joel, etc. The unproductiveness of the fig tree symbolized Israel’s spiritual barrenness, despite their fervent outward dedication to the law [7]. As Jesus cursed the tree, so God would judge His people for their unfruitfulness.

[1] Klotz, John W. "The vine, the fig tree, and the olive: a study in biblical symbolism." //Concordia Journal//, 1980: 256-260. [2] Ibid. [3] Gaebelein, Frank E., ed. //The Expositor's Bible Commentary.// Vol. 7. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1985. 239. [4] Feinberg, Charles Lee. //The Minor Prophets.// Moody Press, 1990. 220. [5] Jr., Robert B. Chisholm. //Handbook on the Prophets.// Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 373. [6] Feinberg, Charles Lee. //The Minor Prophets.// Moody Press, 1990. 168-170. [7] John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, ed. //The Bible Knowledge Commentary.// SP Publications, Inc., 1983. 157.

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