Jeremiah 1:11

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, etc.] At the same time as before: saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? The Septuagint version leaves out the word “Jeremiah”: and I said, I see a rod of an almond tree; a dry stick, without leaves or fruit upon it, and yet he knew it to be an almond tree stick; though some think it had leaves and fruit on it, by which it was known. The Targum is, “and I said, a king hastening to do evil I see;” meaning Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, hastening to bring destruction upon the Jews.”

“rod--shoot, or branch. almond tree--literally, "the wakeful tree," because it awakes from the sleep of winter earlier than the other trees, flowering in January, and bearing fruit in March; symbol of God's early execution of His purpose; Jer 1:12, "hasten My word" (compare Amo 8:3).”

“What seest thou? - If we admit a supernatural element in prophecy, visions would be the most simple means of communication between God and man. A rod of an almond tree - Many translate “a staff of almond wood.” The vision would thus signify that God - like a traveler, staff in hand - was just about to set forth upon His journey of vengeance. But the rendering of the King James Version is supported by Genesis 30:37. The word rendered “almond” comes from a root signifying “to be awake;” and as the almond blossoms in January, it seems to be awake while other trees are still Sleeping, and therefore is a fit emblem of activity. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Came unto me - This and the boiling caldron, Jer 1:13, is thought to be at the same time, and in the same vision, when he was first appointed to the work. Almond - tree - That had leaves, and probably blossoms on it like Aaron's. This is a tree that blossoms early, and speedily, and so it may point at either God's readiness, to smite, Jer 1:12, or Israel's ripeness to be smitten; this rod being like a portentous comet, shewing to Jeremiah the miseries that were at hand, at the death of Josiah, which soon followed this vision, the taxing them by Pharaoh Necho, presently after the breaking in of the Chaldees, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites, and then the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah 1:12”

“1:11-12 These verses contain a play on words: The almond tree (Hebrew shaqed) is the first plant to flower, usually in late January or early February. The Lord wanted Jeremiah to know that he was always watching (Hebrew shoqed) him (see also Ps 121:3-8).”

“what seest thou: Amo 7:8, Amo 8:2; Zac 4:2, Zac 5:2 I see a rod: Num 17:8; Eze 7:10 Jeremiah 1:12”

“The Confirmatory Tokens. - The first is given in Jer 1:11 and Jer 1:12 : "And there came to me the word of Jahveh, saying, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, I see an almond rod. Then Jahveh said to me, Thou hast seen aright: for I will keep watch over my word to fulfil it." With the consecration of the prophet to his office are associated two visions, to give him a surety of the divine promise regarding the discharge of the duties imposed on him. First, Jeremiah sees in spirit a rod or twig of an almond tree. God calls his attention to this vision, and interprets it to him as a symbol of the swift fulfilment of His word. The choice of this symbol for the purpose given is suggested by…”