Commentary on Jeremiah (In Jeremiam)

Here is set forth the distinction of evil princes from good ones, under a certain similitude: and first is set forth the showing of the similitude; setting forth the vision, he shows, by an imaginary vision, or an argumentative one, that the prophecy was taken from the figs which were sold before the temple. Similarly above, chapter 18, concerning the argument of the potter. Numbers 12: If there is a prophet among you, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him through a dream. After Nebuchadnezzar transferred (...) the setter, the silversmith, who sets stones in silver or gold. And this is found according to the history, 4 Kings 23; Isaiah 3: Behold, the sovereign Lord of hosts will take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the strong and the mighty, all strength of bread, and all strength of water, etc. And the distinction of the things seen, setting forth the good figs: and one basket had very good figs, by which the good are signified. Hosea 9: I saw their fathers like the first fruits of the fig tree in its top. Micah 7: My soul desired the first-ripe figs. And setting forth the bad ones: and one basket had very bad figs, by which the wicked of the people are signified. Above, chapter 2: How have you been turned for me into corruption, strange vine? Secondly is set forth the exposition of the vision; where is set forth the Lord's question, which is a rousing to look: And the Lord said to me. Above, chapter 1, the same. And the prophet's response: And I said, Figs. Thus Genesis 41, concerning the ears of grain and the cows in Pharaoh's dream. Thirdly is set forth the exposition of the vision: And the word of the Lord came to me. And first, as regards the good, adapting the similitude in the promise of prosperity in general: as these good figs, so will I acknowledge the transmigration of Judah, a knowledge of approval. 1 Timothy 2: The Lord knows who are his. And he continues in particular as regards the goods of the body, that he may lead them back to their own place: And I will set my eyes. Ezekiel 36: For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the lands, and bring you back into your own land. And that he may restore them to a state of prosperity: And I will bring them back, and I will build, raising on high, as is done in a building, and I will not destroy, where they have sinned; as below, chapter 42: I will build you, and not destroy; I will plant, and not pluck up. And I will plant, confirming them in good things. Below, chapter 31: I will watch over you, that I may build and plant, says the Lord. And as regards the goods of the soul, promising the knowledge of God: And I will give them a heart to know me. Ezekiel 36: I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit within you. And the submission of obedience: And they shall be my people. Apocalypse 21: They shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, their God. Secondly, as regards the bad figs: and as the worst figs. And first he threatens them with affliction in their own land: so will I give Zedekiah. Above, chapter 15: I will give them over to turmoil among all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for all that he did in Jerusalem. Secondly, confusion in the land of captivity: for a reproach, as regards the sin of guilt; for a parable, a figurative manner of speech — your punishment will be recounted as an example; for a proverb, because from the things that shall befall you a proverb will be taken for the instruction of others; for a curse, as regards an imprecation of punishment, in penitential fashion. Or because anyone cursing another will say: So may God do to you, as he did to them. Psalm 78: We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those who are round about us. Thirdly, the punishment of slaying: And I will send the sword among them. Above, chapter 15: He who is destined for death, to death; and he who for the sword, to the sword; and he who for famine, to famine, etc.