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The Fig Tree

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 The Fig Tree, are found in abundance in the region of Palestine. The appeal of sitting beneath these trees lies in their cool shade and expansive branches that provide shelter on all sides.

“Everyone will live in peace and prosperity,
enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees,
for there will be nothing to fear.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies
has made this promise!
( Micah 4:4 )

 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”

( John 1:48 ) 

What makes this tree captivating is its ability to bear fruit. During the months of Sagittarius and Capricorn, the tree sheds all its leaves only to sprout anew in the month of Pisces, producing both fruit and shoots.

  “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near” ( Matthew 24:32 ) 

However, caution is needed during this process, as a gust of wind while the pods are forming can lead to the loss of a significant portion of the fruit.

The second branch called the Gihon, flowed around the entire land of Cush. ( Genesis 2:13 ) 
Then the stars of the sky fell to the earth like green figs falling from a tree shaken by a strong wind.
( Revelation 6:13 ) 

Symbolism and Significance

Figs in the Bible and Other Old Testament Books, We see this theme of figs serving as a symbol for blessing throughout the Old Testament. And contrarily, as a symbol of warning, destruction, and failure. When fig trees are thriving and producing fruit, the Israelite nation is thriving and living in obedience to the Lord. 

Symbol of Abundance and Prosperity:

In many instances, this  tree is associated with abundance and prosperity. Its fruitful branches symbolize the blessings that come from a close relationship with God. 

Seasonal Markers:

The biblical narrative often uses this tree as a seasonal marker, signalling the changing of times. For example, Jesus referred to the budding fig tree as a sign of recognizing the seasons.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.  Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. ( Matthew 24: 32-35 ) 

The Metaphor for Spiritual Growth: 

This tree is employed as a metaphor for spiritual growth and maturity. Just as the tree bears fruit in due season, believers are encouraged to bear spiritual fruit in their lives.

Lessons from the Cursed Fig Tree: 

In an incident recorded in the Gospels, Jesus cursed a barren fig tree. This event is often interpreted as a lesson on the importance of genuine faith and the consequences of spiritual emptiness.

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He
noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could
find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the
season for fruit.  Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit
again!” And the disciples heard him say it.
( Mark 11 : 12-14 )

Repentance and Restoration: 

This tree is also associated with themes of repentance and restoration. The Old Testament prophet Joel encourages a return to God, promising restoration and a renewed abundance symbolized by the fig tree.

Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field,
for the wilderness pastures will soon be green.
The trees will again be filled with fruit;
fig trees and grapevines will be loaded down once more.
( Joel 2 : 22 ).

Exploring Parables in the Scriptures

Hebrew Bible

The tree holds significance as the third tree explicitly named in the Hebrew Bible. Preceded by the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the fig tree plays a role in the aftermath of Adam and Eve consuming the “fruit of the Tree of Knowledge” 

But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” ( Genesis 2: 16–17 ). 

To address their newfound awareness of nakedness, they utilized fig tree leaves to fashion garments for themselves. 

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. ( Genesis 3:7 ).

In the book of Deuteronomy, the Promised Land is vividly described as a place abundant with wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey, promising a life without scarcity. 

It is a land of wheat and barley; grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. ( Deuteronomy 8: 8–10 ).

During Solomon’s reign, the prosperity of Judah and Israel is depicted by the idyllic image of every individual dwelling “under his own vine and fig tree”, signifying national wealth. 

During the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety. From Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, each family had its own home and garden. ( 1 Kings 4:25 )

Hezekiah’s rebellion against the King of Assyria, with the Assyrian commander attempting to entice deserters with the promise of possessing their own vine and fig tree. Draws a parallel between caring for a fig tree and attending to one’s master, emphasizing responsibility and fidelity. 

As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded. ( Proverbs 27:18 ) 

The Song of Solomon features this  tree in its garden, noting that in the year of love, the tree bore fruit early. 

The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!” ( Song 2:13 ). 

Moreover, this tree and its fruits find prominence in the Book of Jeremiah and are briefly mentioned in the Book of Micah.

New Testament

The parable of the blossoming fig bush is found in

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves
begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you
see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.  I
tell you the truth, this generation[a] will not pass from the scene until all these
things take place.  Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never
disappear.  “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen,
not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
( Matthew 24: 32–36)

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves
begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.  In the same way, when you
see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near,
right at the door.  I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will not pass from
the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will
disappear, but my words will never disappear.
 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen,
not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
( Mark 13: 28–32 ), 

Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree or any other
tree.  When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer
is near.  In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you
can know that the Kingdom of God is near.  I tell you the truth, this
generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken
place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
( Luke 21:29–33 )

Constituting part of the Olivet discourse. It is commonly interpreted as the fig bush symbolizing Israel,

Don’t be afraid, O land. Be glad now and rejoice, for the LORD has done great
things.
 Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field, for the wilderness pastures will soon be
green. The trees will again be filled with fruit; fig trees and grapevines will be
loaded down once more.
 Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rain he
sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well
as the rains of spring.
 The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will
overflow with new wine and olive oil.
The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the
hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this
great destroying army against you.
( Joel 2 : 21–25)

Another parable related to this trees is the one of the unproductive fig bush, narrated by Jesus. 

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came
again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always
disappointed. 
Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and
there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the
garden.’
“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year,
and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 
If we get figs next
year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
( Luke 13 : 6–9)

A vinekeeper expresses optimism that a barren fig bush may bear fruit in the following year.

Curse By Jesus

Illustrating an incident where, being hungry, Jesus approached a fig bush in leaf, expecting fruit even though it wasn’t the season for figs. Finding only leaves, Jesus declared, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” Subsequently, as he entered Jerusalem, Jesus drove out those engaged in commerce within the temple, calling it a house of prayer for all nations. This led to conflict with religious authorities seeking his demise. 

The next day, Peter observed the withered fig tree, prompting Jesus to emphasize the power of faith in prayer. He connected faith with the ability to move mountains, encouraging a belief that prayers, when offered without doubt, would be answered. Jesus underscored the importance of forgiveness in prayer, emphasizing that holding grudges could hinder one’s own forgiveness from the heavenly Father.

“The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.  He
noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could
find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the
season for fruit. 
Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit

again!” And the disciples heard him say it.
When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began
to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked
over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling
doves,  and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.
He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house
of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus
had done, they began planning how to kill him.
But they were afraid of him

because the people were so amazed at his teaching.
That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city.
The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples
noticed it had withered from the roots up.” 
( Mark 11 : 12–20 ) 

 Jews who reject belief in Jesus are likened to a fig bush in the Bible that fails to yield fruit.

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came
again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always
disappointed. 
Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and
there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the
garden.’
“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year,
and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 
If we get figs next
year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” ( Luke 13:6 ).

During a gesture of generosity, Abigail quickly prepared a provision for David and his men. The offering included essential items such as bread, wine, sheep, and roasted grain, as well as delicacies like raisins and pressed figs. This reflects the common use of figs as a valued and nutritious food item during that period. 

“Abigail wasted no time. She quickly gathered 200 loaves of bread, two wineskins full of wine, five sheep that had been slaughtered, nearly a bushel of roasted grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 fig cakes. She packed them on donkeys.”
( 1 Samuel 25:18 )

A fig bush poultice proves effective for applying warmth to boils, 

“Then Isaiah said, “Make an ointment from figs.” So Hezekiah’s servants spread the ointment over the boil, and Hezekiah recovered!” ( 2 Kings 20:7 ) 

It is noted that Zacchaeus climbed a fig bush to catch a glimpse of Jesus. 

“He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. “( Luke 19:4.) 

Symbolic Meaning

In the biblical context, the fig bush serves as a symbol for Jerusalem and, by extension, represents the Church of Jesus. Planted in the vineyard, which symbolizes the earth, the fig tree is expected to yield the positive fruits of the Holy Spirit. The caretaker or vinedresser in this analogy is Jesus himself. It’s noteworthy that fig trees are commonly found in vineyards throughout biblical references.

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