Figs have been consumed with relish since ancient times, even by the Romans and Greeks[1]. According to an ancient myth, fig was the favorite fruit of Bacchus, the Lord of Carnival and the Lord of Wine [2]. Fig juices were also used in religious ceremonies. In addition, the fig tree is widely employed in Roman symbolic traditions, as the twin founders of Rome – Romulus and Remus – when they were infants, were transported by the River deity Tiberinus in a basket made from roots of the fig tree. The fig tree, in Rome, was considered an emblem of the future prosperity of the race [3].
The Fig Tree and its fruit, the fig, are mentioned several times in the New Testament as well as the Old Testament. For example, in Genesis 3:7, Adam and Eve cover their nakedness with fig leaves. Figs are ubiquitously found in Israel and in neighboring areas; thus their frequent mention in the Bible. Biblical references to figs are often symbolic and refer to more than just the common Mediterranean fruit tree and the Common Fig. In the Bible, figs are a symbol or type, subject to various interpretations.
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Prophet Isaiah
Interestingly, in the Old Testament‘s Book of 2 Kings [4], there are a few lines that hint at the medicinal properties of the fig tree. The most relevant lines have been made bold.
- In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
- Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,
- I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
- And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
- Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
- And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.
- And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.