Matthew 3:10

Tuesday, 3 September 2024

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:10

“And already also, the ax, toward the root of the trees it lies. Therefore, every tree not producing good fruit, it is hewn, and into fire, it is thrown” (CG).

In the previous verse, John warned the Pharisees and the Sadducees not to trust in the fact that they were physical descendants of Abraham. In fact, he noted that God could raise children for Abraham from the stones. Now to further wake them up to their spiritual plight, he next says, “And already also.”

The word is édé. It gives the sense of “already” or even “now after all this waiting.” HELPS Word Studies says, “(a temporal adverb) – already now, even now, referring to what is not yet strictly present but already (now) impacts the present (= ‘already now’). (a temporal adverb) – already now, even now, referring to what is not yet strictly present but already (now) impacts the present (= ‘already now’).”

His words are words of warning. What he is going to tell them is right now. What was prophesied concerning Israel’s future and the coming Messiah has met with the present, which is that “the ax, toward the root of the trees it lies.”

The word is axiné. One can see the etymological root of our modern word ax. It will be seen only here and in the comparable passage found in Luke 3:9. John’s words are in the present tense, indicating that what is to be chopped down is in deadly peril of having it happen at any moment. The words signify impending judgment.

In Scripture, trees bear various spiritual meanings depending on the context, the type of tree, and so forth. In this case, John is equating them to people. This can be deduced from the fact that he just said in verse 8 that those before him were to produce fruit worthy of reconsideration. Now, in accord with that, he next says, “Therefore, every tree not producing good fruit.”

John ties the two thoughts together. If people are to bear fruit and some produce bad fruit, then he is speaking of people, namely those before him. However, his words extend to all in Israel because he is the herald of Israel’s coming Messiah.

Therefore, those who bear good fruit will reconsider their ways, turn to Jesus, and follow Him. Those who do not will have borne bad fruit. That is what the ax being laid at the root is for. To remove such people from Israel, as he next says, “it is hewn, and into fire, it is thrown.”

Jesus is the dividing line. Those who follow Him will be saved. Those who do not will be sent to Gehenna, a subject Jesus will speak of first in Matthew 5.

Life application: As noted above, trees carry various meanings in Scripture. In fact, pretty much every object used in the Bible is giving us information about other things. Directions convey meaning. The seasons of the year give us information about other things. Types of metal, various words for rock, water, clouds, etc. Along with its surface meaning whatever is being conveyed, each thing also tells us about something else.

Each number carries a special meaning. To understand how numbers consistently mean the same thing, go online and search for Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger. It is public domain and can be read online or downloaded from the internet. What is the significance of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 40, or 200? Bullinger will explain that to you, along with all other biblical numbers.

What significance does the fig, olive, or acacia tree convey? Every type of tree provides information in a relevant way. God created the trees. He understands their properties and He uses them to provide us with information.

The fig, for example, consistently speaks of a connection to God. The olive tells us of religious privilege. The acacia tree is considered an incorruptible wood, and so its wood was used in the making of the tabernacle implements to picture the incorruptible Man, Jesus Christ. However, the tree itself carries its own typological meaning, as do all the other trees.

Mountains, rivers, valleys (and there are various types of valleys), and so forth – they all convey information that is used to tell us deeper spiritual truths than one gets from only the surface reading.

Understanding this, be careful not to just accept what someone says about a spiritual or typological meaning of something. Quite often, people will insert their meaning into what is being presented. Thus, anything can mean anything. For example, it is popular to hear someone say, “The fig tree pictures Israel.” It is incorrect, but by shoving Israel into the fig, a point of doctrine is intended.

Rather, than inserting meaning, it must be drawn out from the context. or from the meaning of the root word of whatever is being looked at, or from some other valid means of biblical interpretation. Further, the meaning must be consistently seen in every use of that particular object, thing, or concept. If it is not, then the interpretation is not correct. God is consistent in His use of such things.

Never stop pondering the word. It is an almost limitless source of wisdom and knowledge. Enjoy your daily time interacting with God through His precious word!

Lord God, how amazingly detailed is Your word. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, instruction, and joy for the heart. May we seek You through it all our days. In it, we find Jesus, and through Jesus, we can find words of salvation based on what He has done for us. Hallelujah for Your precious word. Amen.