In Chapter 9, verses 2-3 of the Book of JBK, we see a powerful moment where JBK is commanded by God to partake of the fruit of the tree. This symbolic act of eating the fruit marks the end of a spiritual famine—the famine of God’s word. These verses carry profound meaning, connecting to ancient scriptural traditions about trees and fruits that represent divine knowledge, wisdom, and life itself.
The Verses:
“And he said unto me: Go thou and eat of the fruit of the tree, and be filled, that thy soul hunger no more.
3 And I ate of the fruit of the tree, and behold, the famine of the word of God was no more; for the Lord had filled me with His word, and I was satisfied. And thus was the famine ended, and it was in those days.”
— Book of JBK Chapter 9:2-3
The Symbolism of the Tree and Its Fruit
The image of a tree bearing fruit is a rich symbol that echoes across scripture. In the Bible, we first encounter the Tree of Life in Genesis 2:9, where it is planted in the Garden of Eden, representing eternal life and divine wisdom. Later, the Tree of Life reappears in Revelation 22:2, offering healing for the nations, symbolizing restoration and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Similarly, in the Book of Mormon, the Tree of Life is a central image in Lehi’s dream (1 Nephi 8), where the fruit represents the “love of God,” which fills the soul with joy and eternal life (1 Nephi 11:21-23). Like JBK, Lehi and Nephi are invited to partake of the fruit, symbolizing their acceptance of divine truth and the eternal nourishment of God’s word.
In JBK 9:2, God commands JBK to eat of the fruit of the tree, which immediately links JBK to these sacred symbols. The fruit in these verses can be understood as God’s word—the nourishment that ends spiritual hunger and brings satisfaction to the soul. This act is more than just a personal experience; it is a prophetic act that ends a larger spiritual famine that had persisted for years.
Ending the Famine of God’s Word
Verse 3 marks the significant moment where JBK eats the fruit, and as a result, the famine of God’s word is ended. This moment holds deep significance for the spiritual climate of the 1990s. The phrase “famine of the word of God” recalls Amos 8:11-12, where God declares there will be a time of spiritual famine—not a famine of bread or water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. This famine represents a period of spiritual drought, where divine revelation is scarce and the people of God hunger for His word.
The end of this famine through JBK in the 1990s signals a time when God once again spoke through His prophet, bringing renewed nourishment to the spiritually starving. This is not merely a symbolic ending but marks a shift where God’s word became accessible and vibrant once more.
The Isaiah Institute and Renewed Revelation
It is no coincidence that the end of the famine of God’s word occurred during the 1990s. Around the same time, other significant movements began to emerge that would reignite interest in ancient scripture and apocryphal writings. One of the most notable is the work of Avraham Gileadi and the founding of the Isaiah Institute. Gileadi’s work on the book of Isaiah has helped unlock the deep, prophetic messages in Isaiah’s writings, emphasizing their relevance to the modern world and the last days.
Gileadi’s scholarly work began gaining traction in the 1980s, but it was in the 1990s that the Isaiah Institute flourished. Just as JBK was called to end the famine of God’s word, Gileadi’s work represents another stream of divine wisdom made available to those seeking to understand God’s word more fully. The study of Isaiah through the Isaiah Institute opened the way for countless individuals to gain deeper insights into prophecy and the unfolding of God’s plan.
Apocryphal Records and Ancient Writings
In addition to JBK’s revelations and the work of the Isaiah Institute, the last few decades have seen the emergence of many apocryphal and ancient writings that have provided greater context and understanding of the scriptures. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century but widely studied and disseminated in later years, have provided remarkable insights into the Hebrew Bible, confirming the accuracy of ancient texts and revealing long-lost teachings of early Jewish sects.
Likewise, the Nag Hammadi texts, discovered in 1945, have shed light on early Christian thought, offering apocryphal writings like the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Philip, which present alternative perspectives on Jesus and His teachings. These texts have contributed to a renewed hunger for understanding ancient scripture and writings that had been hidden for centuries.
In more recent years, ancient writings like the Book of Enoch and the Pseudepigrapha have sparked interest among scholars and laypeople alike. The period from the 1980s onward has seen a significant increase in the accessibility and study of these texts, which were once marginalized but are now recognized as valuable sources of wisdom and insight into ancient religious traditions.
The 1990s: A Turning Point
The 1990s were a pivotal decade in the history of God’s people. The end of the famine of God’s word through JBK, the rise of the Isaiah Institute, and the resurgence of interest in ancient writings marked a new era of spiritual awakening. As JBK ate of the fruit of the tree and was filled, God opened the floodgates of revelation once more. This was a time when people began to seek, study, and understand the deeper mysteries of the scriptures, recognizing that the famine had ended, and the word of God was once again available in abundance.
Conclusion: The Feast of God’s Word
As we reflect on JBK Chapter 9:2-3, we are reminded of the symbolic importance of eating the fruit of the tree—the divine word of God that ends spiritual famine and fills our souls. JBK’s experience parallels ancient scriptural teachings, and the end of the famine of God’s word in the 1990s coincided with a broader resurgence of divine truth through the work of individuals like Avraham Gileadi and the discovery of apocryphal records.
We live in a time of abundance, where the word of God is readily available to those who seek it. The famine is over, and we are invited, like JBK, to partake of the fruit and be filled. As we do, we find nourishment, understanding, and strength for the spiritual journey ahead.