The chapter begins with a vision of two baskets of figs set before the temple of the Lord. One basket has very good figs, while the other has very bad figs that cannot be eaten. This imagery immediately sets up a contrast and symbolizes the divergent fates of the people of Judah (Jeremiah 24:1-3).
God uses the good figs to symbolize those who will be carried away to Babylon. He promises to watch over them for good, to bring them back to their land, and to plant them so that they will not be plucked up. This evokes feelings of hope, care, and a future restoration for those who are faithful (Jeremiah 24:4-7).
The bad figs represent Zedekiah, his officials, and the remnant who remain in the land or dwell in Egypt. God declares that they will be delivered to trouble, horror, and destruction. This conveys strong emotions of condemnation, despair, and hopelessness for those who have turned away from Him (Jeremiah 24:8-10).