Jer 1:11-12 | KingComments | STEP | Then in two pictures the LORD gives two confirmations of his calling ( ). These are the first two pictures of the many pictures we have in this book. These two were probably shown to him shortly after his calling. Both visions are uncomplicated and explained, both involve judgment. In order to speak, a prophet, in addition to being able to listen, must also be able to see. A prophet must also be a ‘seer’. The first picture is that of a rod of an almond tree ( ). Jeremiah sees in a vision the picture of a rod of an almond tree. Someone like Jeremiah, who knows Hebrew, immediately understands the meaning. It is a play on words with the word “watchful”, for in Hebrew the word “almond” is almost the same as “watchful”. A rod of an almond tree is also a watchful one. While it is still winter, the rod of an almond tree already begins to bloom, giving the message, as it were, that spring will soon come. The tree is also called shekedh in Hebrew, a word that means ‘the hasty tree’. Just as a rod of an almond tree holds the message of the coming spring, God’s Word holds the message of the coming judgment. The LORD watches over His word to bring judgment on Israel’s sins. He also watches over His word to bless them after the judgment ( ). What the past prophets have said will come, it is about to happen. Judgment is at the door. God is ready to act because He knows the state of the world. The “rod”, maqqel , here symbolizes judgment that will soon come on Israel (cf. ). This judgment will come through the Lord Jesus (cf. ). The LORD praises Jeremiah for looking closely and giving a correct answer. He has seen a ‘hasty tree’. God then declares that He is watching to fulfill His word soon and is going to work immediately to do so ( ). Jeremiah will prophesy and experience the fulfillment himself.

‏ Jeremiah 1:11-12

Vision of a Rod of an Almond Tree

Then in two pictures the LORD gives two confirmations of his calling (Jer 1:11-16). These are the first two pictures of the many pictures we have in this book. These two were probably shown to him shortly after his calling. Both visions are uncomplicated and explained, both involve judgment. In order to speak, a prophet, in addition to being able to listen, must also be able to see. A prophet must also be a ‘seer’.

The first picture is that of a rod of an almond tree (Jer 1:11). Jeremiah sees in a vision the picture of a rod of an almond tree. Someone like Jeremiah, who knows Hebrew, immediately understands the meaning. It is a play on words with the word “watchful”, for in Hebrew the word “almond” is almost the same as “watchful”. A rod of an almond tree is also a watchful one. While it is still winter, the rod of an almond tree already begins to bloom, giving the message, as it were, that spring will soon come. The tree is also called shekedh in Hebrew, a word that means ‘the hasty tree’.

Just as a rod of an almond tree holds the message of the coming spring, God’s Word holds the message of the coming judgment. The LORD watches over His word to bring judgment on Israel’s sins. He also watches over His word to bless them after the judgment (Jer 31:28).

What the past prophets have said will come, it is about to happen. Judgment is at the door. God is ready to act because He knows the state of the world. The “rod”, maqqel, here symbolizes judgment that will soon come on Israel (cf. Hab 2:3). This judgment will come through the Lord Jesus (cf. Heb 10:37).

The LORD praises Jeremiah for looking closely and giving a correct answer. He has seen a ‘hasty tree’. God then declares that He is watching to fulfill His word soon and is going to work immediately to do so (Jer 1:12). Jeremiah will prophesy and experience the fulfillment himself.