The role of trees in the Bible – Day 5

Figs are known for their sweetness. In fact, 50% of a fig is sugar and it’s been used as a sugar substitute throughout the ages. A syrup made from figs was used as a sweetener by the Assyrians in 3000 BC, a practice that continued into the Middle Ages. When sugar became scarce during the American Civil War, fig syrup came back into vogue.

In Judges 9:11 we read: “But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over the trees?’ ”

Being sweet isn’t something that comes naturally to people. This fig tree was content to simply grow and spread its sweetness, but we want to advance ourselves, we want to get our foot in the door and take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. Often, we care little about who we treat badly along the way. We don’t want to just grow and be sweet, and it’s even harder for us to stay sweet when things get difficult.

A fig tree cannot bear olives because it is a fig tree. This seems so obvious. Why then, does it seem so easy for us to behave as if we are not children of God?

And the way to be the kind of Christian who bears this kind of fruit is to expose ourselves to the Word of God.