|
The Fig Tree
by Dean Mudenda Introduction The fig tree (genus Ficus) indigenous to the tropics, Mediterranean region and also semi-warm temperate zone, is a popular source of fruit around the world. It is highly tolerant of drought and can grow in nutritionally poor soils. It offers shade to a variety of animals in hot climates and tends to grow in inhospitable places. The scientific name for the common fig tree is Ficus carica. It has been cultivated from ancient times mainly for its fruit (figs), particularly F. carica and F. sycomorus. Most types of figs are usually consumed as bush food or wild fruit. The flowers of the fig, line the inside of the fruit making up what is known as an inflorescence. It is also known as an infructescence - a fruit derived from the ovaries of a cluster of flowers arranged on a stem. According to Assmann and Lorton, the fig tree was regarded as the the tree of life by the ancient Egyptians. Season 24 of the Nature series aired an episode entitled The Queen of Trees, referring to the Sycamore Fig. Fig trees are important in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Mysticism. Applications According to a study by Bohlooli et al. (2007) in which they investigated the efficacy of fig tree latex in treatment of common warts versus use of cryotherapy; fig tree latex has a low recurrence rate and no reported side effects. It is said that the wood of the fig tree was used for making mummy caskets. F. natalensis has been traditionally used for the production of bark cloth in Uganda. The leaves are used as a herbal remedy for various ailments. The prophet Isaiah instructed Hezekiahs attendants to prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the kings boils, following which, he recovered from his illness. Figs are also said to relieve iron deficiency (anaemia) and problems with digestion. They are used as a laxative, antitoxin and natural colon cleanser, treatment for canker sores, haemorrhoids, dysentery, gastric ulcers as well as heartburn and allegedly boost the immune system. Figs contain vitamin C, beta carotene, B vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium and are rich in dietary fiber. The fig tree is good for treating various skin diseases. The sap of unripe figs purportedly contains antiviral properties and drinking figs brew is believed to be beneficial against coughs, asthma and sore throat. The list goes on. The Promised Land The Promised Land was described by Moses as a good land - a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey Deuteronomy 8:7,8. After Abimelek son of Jeru-Baal had hired scoundrels with seventy shekels to slaughter his seventy brothers, Jotham, the youngest son of Jeru-Baal, escaped by hiding. Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelek king. Then Jotham, upon hearing of this, pronounced a curse from Mount Gerizim (using an allegory of a fig tree among others) against his brother Abimelek. Judges 9:1-21 Sycamores are mentioned among the most precious sources of food (in Egypt) destroyed during the plagues (Psalm 78:47). King David appointed an officer to tend the olives and sycamore-fig trees of the western foothills 1 Chronicles 27:28. Sycamores were among if not the commonest fruit bearing trees in ancient Israel (1 kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:27. The prophet Amos was a dresser or tender of sycamores (Amos 7:14). Zacchaeus (a man of small stature) climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus (Luke 19:4). He of course ended up hosting the Son of God who spotted Zacchaeus up that tree. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. The only time (as recorded in Scripture) Jesus pronounced a curse; He was addressing a fig tree (Mark 11:13,14,19-21). Evidently, the fig tree was highly valued in ancient Israel and surrounding countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Signs of the Times According to rabbi Jonathan Cahn; in the spring of 2014, the erez tree (a type of cedar) planted in the place of the fallen sycamore of Ground Zero, the symbol of a rising America, was uprooted. He further stated; the seventh harbinger is no more. The rabbi said that the loss of the so-called tree of hope was a warning from God. He connected this event to Isaiahs prophecy: The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars. Isaiah 9:10 I commenced typing this article in 2014 but shelved it until now (August 2016). Perhaps the time has come for us to reflect on Cahns admonition. Especially in the light of what has transpired since the beginning of this year (particularly over the last few months). In April, a phenomenal increase in seismic activity was recorded, with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happening in diverse places around the world. This has been accompanied by social upheavals, increase in acts of terror and violence of every description. In June and July we witnessed an explosion of terrorist attacks. Among Western countries, the USA and France were the worst hit, with unprecedented numbers of casualties. A child reportedly as young as 12 years old killed at least 51 people, at a wedding in Turkey two days ago. On 22nd July, there was news about the shooting in Munich which left 10 dead (including the gunman) and 27 injured. The unlawful killing of black people by law enforcement officers in America, has recently led to retaliatory attacks on white police officers. The hatred, bitterness and anger is almost palpable. Elsewhere xenophobic attacks are on the rise. What does this have to do with the fig tree? Although I cannot think of any direct relationship, the fig tree certainly features in end-time prophecy (specifically in eschatological texts). These are the words of Jesus from his sermon on the Mount of Olives: Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Matthew 24:32,33 The Parable of the Fig Tree Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to illustrate the peril that awaits those who make no effort to repent of sin in their lives. The warning is clear: except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Looking at the context of these words of Christ; there were some who began to tell the Lord about the Galileans whom Pilate killed, while they offered up their sacrifices. Jesus also made reference to the eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them. (And on Ground Zero two towers fell slaying over 2,700.) Around the world, many disasters happen almost every day. People lose their lives in accidents, acts of violence (war, terrorism and crime), manmade and natural disasters (including climate change). These are all taking their toll on humanity. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:6-9 The Fig Tree represents the Jewish Nation in those days, having leaves - an outward appearance of spirituality (fruitfulness) characterised by the leaves, but having no fruits meet for repentance. The warning is not for one nation alone but for all nations (for all people, tongues and kindred); as we must all stand before the throne of God and give account on the Day of Judgement. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:8,9 References http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17472688 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_sycomorus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fig http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_(TV_series) http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/9-ways-to-use-figs-as-a-natural-remedy/ Bible Gateway (Online) https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?qs_version=NIV&quicksearch=Fig+Tree&startnumber=1 http://www.wnd.com/2014/08/harbinger-author-says-loss-of-tree-of-hope-a-warning/ Please feel free to reproduce and share this article. Make sure you acknowledge the author. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |