Jeremiah 24:6
I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God's promise to "build them up and not tear them down" and "plant them and not pluck them up" isn't just about physical rebuilding, but a profound spiritual re-establishment that makes them a stable, flourishing dwelling for Himself. This imagery highlights that their restoration goes beyond mere relocation; it's about becoming a secure, permanent spiritual community rooted in God.
This promise follows a vision where Jeremiah sees two baskets of figs, representing the exiles in Babylon (good figs) and those left in Jerusalem (bad figs). God declares He will watch over the exiled good figs, bringing them back, rebuilding them, and planting them securely in their land, contrasting sharply with the fate of the bad figs who will face judgment.
God's 'eyes' are mentioned in Scripture for both judgment and blessing. What does it mean when His gaze is fixed on you 'for good'?
The phrase 'I will set my eyes on them for good' is a powerful expression of God's intentional care and favor. It's not a passive glance, but an active focusing of His attention with a benevolent purpose. Just as God can set His eyes on people for judgment (Amos 9:4), here He declares His deliberate intention to watch over and protect the faithful exiles. This divine gaze signifies divine provision, protection, and an unwavering commitment to their well-being and ultimate restoration. It means God is actively involved in their lives, ensuring their prosperity and guiding them toward His purposes.
God uses metaphors of building and planting. What does this reveal about the nature of His restoration?
The promises to 'build them up, and not tear them down' and 'plant them, and not pluck them up' move beyond mere physical return. These images speak of stability, growth, and permanence. 'Building up' signifies establishing them securely, creating a lasting community and structure, unlike the destruction they experienced. 'Planting' implies deep roots, a secure place to flourish, and an enduring presence. This isn't just about returning to a homeland, but about a spiritual and national regeneration. It promises a future where they are not left vulnerable to uprooting but are established firmly in God's favor and land. This speaks to spiritual renewal and a lasting relationship with God, not just a temporary fix.
Understand the original words
ayin · Hebrew Noun
The eyes of the LORD symbolize His providential care, omniscience, and active involvement in the lives of His people, whether for judgment or blessing. To have God's eyes "set" on one implies focused attention and intent.
This prophecy of restoration and rebuilding, given after Jehoiachin's exile, contrasts the fate of the 'good figs' (faithful exiles) with the 'bad figs' (those who remained or were later exiled). It assures the exiles of God's protective, nurturing, and future-building intentions, pointing to their eventual return and spiritual renewal.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah, beginning with the first deportation of royal family members and nobles, including Daniel.
c. 597 BC— this verse
Jehoiachin's Deportation
King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans, including Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.
c. 587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population.
c. 561 BC
Jehoiachin Released from Prison
King Evil-Merodach of Babylon releases the captive King Jehoiachin, showing him favor.
This earlier prophecy to Jeremiah uses the same imagery of 'building and planting' versus 'pulling down and plucking up,' revealing a consistent divine plan for both judgment and restoration.
Jeremiah 31:28This passage echoes the promise of 'building and planting' for the future restoration of Israel, highlighting God's intention for lasting security and growth for His people.
Ezekiel 36:35-36This prophetic vision describes the land itself being restored and made fruitful, mirroring Jeremiah's promise of building and planting, and emphasizes the visible glory of God in His people's restoration.
Zechariah 10:9This verse speaks of God scattering His people and then gathering them again, with a promise to 'build them up' and 'not cast them away,' directly paralleling the core promises in Jeremiah 24:6.
pooleJeremiah 24:6: "For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up."
I will set mine eyes upon them for good; the soul looking out at the eye, discovereth its inclinations and affection, whether of love or wrath. Hence we read of God’s setting his eyes upon people for evil , Amos 9:4 , as here of his setting his eyes upon them for good. Or else it may signify God’s set…
pulpitJeremiah 24:6: "For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up."
Verse 6. - I will build them, etc. (comp. Jeremiah 1:10; Jeremiah 12:16). As the next verse shows. it is not merely outward prosperity that is meant, but spiritual regeneration.
God's promise to "build them up and not tear them down" and "plant them and not pluck them up" isn't just about physical rebuilding, but a profound spiritual re-establishment that makes them a stable, flourishing dwelling for Himself. This imagery highlights that their restoration goes beyond mere relocation; it's about becoming a secure, permanent spiritual community rooted in God.
This promise follows a vision where Jeremiah sees two baskets of figs, representing the exiles in Babylon (good figs) and those left in Jerusalem (bad figs). God declares He will watch over the exiled good figs, bringing them back, rebuilding them, and planting them securely in their land, contrasting sharply with the fate of the bad figs who will face judgment.
This promise follows a vision where Jeremiah sees two baskets of figs, representing the exiles in Babylon (good figs) and those left in Jerusalem (bad figs). God declares He will watch over the exiled good figs, bringing them back, rebuilding them, and planting them securely in their land, contrasting sharply with the fate of the bad figs who will face judgment.
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c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus of Persia conquers the Babylonian Empire, opening the way for Jewish exiles to return to Judah.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
Under Zerubbabel, a significant number of exiles return to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the Temple.
"I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up." — God's promise to "build them up and not tear them down" and "plant them and not pluck them up" isn't just about physical rebuilding, but a profound spiritual re-establishment that makes them a stable…
