Verses 1-10

The Two Baskets of Figs

The evil figs were such of the people as had not been carried away with Jehoiachin to Babylon after the first siege of Jerusalem, 597 b.c., but had failed to draw any warning from the fate that had overtaken their brethren. Those who had been made captives, on the other hand, should yet be the subjects of God's love and grace. The ripening time for both baskets was over, but here the likeness between them ceased.

1. Carpenters] RV 'craftsmen,' the most valuable captives.

2. First ripe] In the case of trees bearing twice in the year, the first crop, ripening in June, was considered a special delicacy. Naughty] RV 'bad.'

5. Acknowledge] RV 'regard.'

8. Egypt] cp. Jeremiah 22:10, Jeremiah 22:11.

9. To be removed into] RV 'to be tossed to and fro among.'