Jeremiah 24

Chapter Summary

In Jeremiah 24, the prophet sees two baskets of figs, one with good figs and the other with bad figs. The Lord explains that the good figs represent the Israelites who will be restored to the land, while the bad figs represent those who will be rejected. The chapter emphasizes God's judgment on the rebellious and His mercy towards the remnant. Key verses include Jeremiah 24:5-7, where God promises to give the good figs a heart to know Him, and Jeremiah 24:8-10, where He pronounces judgment on the bad figs. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in Jeremiah 24:3-4, where the prophet is told to set the good figs apart.

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah 24 is part of the larger narrative of Jeremiah, which emphasizes God's judgment on Israel and the surrounding nations. The chapter is situated in the context of the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites are being judged for their rebellion against God. The chapter also points to the ultimate restoration of Israel, which is fulfilled in Christ. The chapter is also connected to other biblical themes, such as the importance of obedience and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with His people, as seen in the New Testament.

Heart Application

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. As believers, we are called to be faithful and obedient to God's Word, trusting in His sovereignty and mercy. We are also reminded of the importance of humility and repentance, as we recognize our own sinfulness and rebellion against God. The chapter encourages us to seek a personal relationship with God, who promises to give us a heart to know Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah 24 is about God's judgment on Israel and the distinction between the good and bad figs. The good figs represent the Israelites who will be restored to the land and given a heart to know God, as seen in Jeremiah 24:7. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and mercy, as He promises to watch over the good figs and ultimately restore them. As believers, we are called to be faithful and obedient to God's Word, trusting in His sovereignty and mercy.

Voices from the Church

“The good figs are not only preserved, but they are also given a heart to know God. This is the greatest blessing that can be bestowed upon us, to know God and to be known by Him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The distinction between the good and bad figs is not based on human merit, but on God's sovereign choice. He sets apart the good figs and promises to restore them, while the bad figs are rejected and judged.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Vision of the Two Baskets of Figs (Jeremiah 24:1-3) — The prophet sees two baskets of figs, one with good figs and the other with bad figs. The Lord explains that the good figs represent the Israelites who will be restored to the land, while the bad figs represent those who will be rejected.
2. The Promise to the Good Figs (Jeremiah 24:4-7) — The Lord promises to give the good figs a heart to know Him, that they will be His people, and He will be their God. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, who gives believers a new heart and enables them to know God personally.
3. The Judgment on the Bad Figs (Jeremiah 24:8-10) — The Lord pronounces judgment on the bad figs, who will be rejected and scattered among the nations. This judgment is a result of their rebellion against God and their refusal to obey His commands.
4. The Restoration of Israel (Jeremiah 24:11) — The chapter concludes with the promise of Israel's restoration, which is fulfilled in Christ. The Lord promises to restore the remnant and give them a heart to know Him, which is ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant.
5. Conclusion (Jeremiah 24:12) — The chapter concludes with a call to obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, trusting in His sovereignty and mercy. As believers, we are called to seek a personal relationship with God, who promises to give us a heart to know Him.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty, as He sets apart the good figs and promises to restore them. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes God's sovereignty in all things, including salvation.

Covenant Theology

The chapter highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of covenant theology in understanding God's relationship with His people.

Original Sin

The chapter emphasizes the distinction between the good and bad figs, symbolizing the remnant and the rebellious. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing human sinfulness and rebellion against God.

Restoration of Israel

The chapter concludes with the promise of Israel's restoration, which is fulfilled in Christ. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan for His people, including their ultimate restoration and redemption.

Lessons from Jeremiah 24

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. As believers, we are called to be faithful and obedient to God's Word, trusting in His sovereignty and mercy.
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty, as He sets apart the good figs and promises to restore them. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes God's sovereignty in all things, including salvation.
3. The Distinction between Good and Bad — The chapter emphasizes the distinction between the good and bad figs, symbolizing the remnant and the rebellious. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing human sinfulness and rebellion against God.
4. The Promise of Restoration — The chapter concludes with the promise of Israel's restoration, which is fulfilled in Christ. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan for His people, including their ultimate restoration and redemption.
5. The Importance of Humility and Repentance — The chapter encourages us to seek a personal relationship with God, who promises to give us a heart to know Him. As believers, we are called to be humble and repentant, recognizing our own sinfulness and rebellion against God.

Themes from Jeremiah 24

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty, as He sets apart the good figs and promises to restore them. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes God's sovereignty in all things, including salvation.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. As believers, we are called to be faithful and obedient to God's Word, trusting in His sovereignty and mercy.
3. The Distinction between Good and Bad — The chapter emphasizes the distinction between the good and bad figs, symbolizing the remnant and the rebellious. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing human sinfulness and rebellion against God.
4. The Promise of Restoration — The chapter concludes with the promise of Israel's restoration, which is fulfilled in Christ. This doctrine is central to the Reformed faith, which emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan for His people, including their ultimate restoration and redemption.
5. The Importance of Humility and Repentance — The chapter encourages us to seek a personal relationship with God, who promises to give us a heart to know Him. As believers, we are called to be humble and repentant, recognizing our own sinfulness and rebellion against God.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the vision of the two baskets of figs represent in Jeremiah 24:1-3?
2. What is the promise that God makes to the good figs in Jeremiah 24:4-7?
3. What is the judgment that God pronounces on the bad figs in Jeremiah 24:8-10?
4. What is the significance of the restoration of Israel in Jeremiah 24:11?
5. How does this chapter relate to the larger narrative of Jeremiah and the biblical story?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Jeremiah 24

	Sermon	Description
	Bristol Conference 1976-16 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of serving others and the spiritual deterioration of the nation. The sermon begins with a reference to Jesus describing himself
	Living by Faith in Future Grace - Lesson 3 by John Piper	In this sermon, Pastor John Piper discusses the concept of living by faith and future grace. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's grace in the present and trusting in H
	Which Basket Are You In? by Erlo Stegen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering all aspects of our lives to the Lord, drawing parallels from the story of two baskets of figs in Jeremiah's vision. It highlig
	Return to the Lord by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead preaches on the importance of returning to the Lord, emphasizing that God's discipline and trials are meant to draw us closer to Him. He explains that God's dealings
	You Are Loved and Accepted by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love and acceptance that God has for His people, contrasting the harsh messages of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah with the grace and mer
	Concerning Deliverance From Sinning by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon addresses the struggle of believers who understand justification by faith but find it difficult to cease from sin. He emphasizes that true salvation involves not only
	On Perverted Views of the Gospel by Thomas Reade	Thomas Reade preaches about the perverted views of the Gospel held by many, where some see it as a mitigated law allowing for sin, while others believe in a distorted concept of gr
	A Heart to Know Him by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes God's promise to give us a new heart that desires to know Him and obey His commands. He highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who not o
	Manifest Presence of God - Part 4 by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of seeking to know God personally, just like Moses did in the Bible. He emphasizes that the distinguishing mark of God's people should be

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 24

In this chapter, we see the Lord's distinction between the good and bad figs, symbolizing the remnant and the rebellious. The good figs represent the Israelites who will be restored to the land, while the bad figs represent those who will be rejected. The Lord promises to give the good figs a heart to know Him, that they will be His people, and He will be their God. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, who gives believers a new heart and enables them to know God personally. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as well as the distinction between the good and bad, symbolizing the remnant and the rebellious. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is the sovereign Lord of all, and He will do what He pleases with His people.' The chapter concludes with the promise of Israel's restoration, which is fulfilled in Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?