Good Figs Bad Figs

Good Figs Bad Figs begins by reviewing how the Old Testament depicts YHWH exercising judgment in Israel. Three broad categories of judicial action are identified: selective unselective and national. It is noted that more than one of these may be juxtaposed within the same text and that each is a corollary of a wider theological frame of reference. The rest of the study focuses on the concept of judicial differentiation in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1 - 20 announce wrath upon all Judah while chs. 30 - 33 prophesy restoration for the entire Diaspora. Elsewhere however YHWH's judicial action is more nuanced. Jer. 21 - 24 differentiates between those who stay in Jerusalem and those who surrender (21.1-10) between Israel's leaders and people (23.1-8) and between the exiles and non-exiles (24.1-10). Jeremiah 27 - 29 also distinguishes between exiled and non-exiled communities but adds a 'people and prophets' polarity. Finally Jer. 37 - 45 offers hope to those who surrender (38.1-3) or remain in the land (42.1-22) alongside salvation oracles for two individuals who do not conform to these conditions (39.15-18; 45.1-5). Three main conclusions are drawn. Firstly the polarities of judgment and salvation in Jer. are more varied than has generally been appreciated. Secondly this diversity of perspective is theologically significant; it is suggested that each polarity offers a valid though incomplete lens through which to interpret God's judicial action. Thirdly the concepts of judicial differentiation and non-differentiation may offer a helpful framework in which to read the book of Jeremiah as a whole.