The Sign Of The Branch Of The Almond Tree (Jeremiah 1:11-12).
The first sign was that of the branch of an almond tree, which was an indication and assurance that YHWH would be watching over His word, as spoken through Jeremiah, so as to perform it. The almond tree budded early and was thus a reminder of new life in contrast with the dearth of life preceding it which was the result of the hot summer. It was a constantly renewed reminder that all was well with the world, and that YHWH could make all things new. Its Hebrew name also had the same consonants as the word for ‘watching'.
‘Moreover the word of YHWH came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a branch of an almond-tree (shoqed).” Then YHWH said to me, “You have seen well, for I watch (shaqed) over my word to perform it.”
The word for ‘rod' or ‘branch' can mean a fresh, leafy branch (Genesis 30:37), but the main point here is that it is from an ‘almond tree'. ‘Almond tree' is shoqed, whereas the verb ‘to watch' is shaqed. Thus every time that that he saw a fruitful branch of shoqed he was to remember YHWH's fruitful ‘watch' (shaqed) over His word. In view of the abundance of almond trees it was intended to be a huge encouragement. It was a guarantee that YHWH would continually remind him that He would not fail in His purpose.
YHWH's promise to watch over His word would be comprehensive, for His effective word (Isaiah 58:10-13) would produce many effects. It would include His judgment on, and final re-planting once their chastisement was over, of His people, and His judgment on, and final calling of, the nations (compare Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:6). It included all His purposes revealed to Jeremiah.