24 AFTER Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and the officials, the skilled workers and the artisans of Judah WERE CARRIED INTO EXILE from Jerusalem to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Lord showed me two baskets of figs PLACED IN FRONT OF THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD. Jeremiah 24
Jeremiah was not carried off to Babylon, he remained in Judah, but all the officials, the skilled workers and the craftsmen were taken into exile. All the people who could be of value and service to the Babylonians were removed. (How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land? Psalm 137:4 Even the worshippers were taken)
The two baskets were ‘in front of the Temple of God’, this was a judgement of God and it had already happened. Wickedness had gone too far and God had acted to redress the situation.
2 One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early; the other basket had very bad figs, so bad they could not be eaten.
In God’s eyes the figs were either very good or very bad, THERE WAS NO IN-BETWEEN. God had a future and a purpose for the good figs! He wanted to work with them and bring restoration. (God is always looking for Himself in us! Apostle Warren Hunter)
The good figs RIPENED EARLY, God wants people who will walk with Him early in their lives! I have read many prophetic words at the beginning of this New Year about a coming younger generation who will serve God wholeheartedly in these days.
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 5 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, WHOM I SENT AWAY from this place to the land of the Babylonians.”
Jerusalem and Judah had become so corrupt that God decided to entirely remove the ‘good figs/people’ from them. He could work with them outside their land, where they were totally dependent on Him.
6 My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. 7 I WILL GIVE THEM A HEART TO KNOW ME, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.
God’s heart was only good towards those who truly wanted to serve and obey Him. He wanted the best for them, even when they were so far removed from His Destiny for them.
God made a separation between the people and there were only two types. Where He found ‘Good figs, a type of Israel’ He wanted to bless and draw them back to Himself. God won’t turn a blind eye to wickedness among His people, a great separation may soon be coming. Remember the baskets of figs sat in front of His Temple. Our own hearts must be towards God in this hour.
God bless and keep you today.