Jeremiah 11:16

Even though the Lord had compared His nation to a beautiful and fruitful green olive tree (cf. Hosea 14:6; Psalms 52:8; Psalms 128:3), He would burn it up in a great tumult because it had proved worthless as far as fulfilling His purpose for it (cf. Jeremiah 21:14; Psalms 52:8; Psalms 80:16; Isaiah 27:11; Romans 11:17-24). He would destroy the nation as He might destroy a tree by striking it with lightning.

"The olive [tree] was the source of oil for light, cooking, medicine, anointing for the body, and many other uses. It became the symbol of ’prosperity and divine blessing, of beauty and strength.’ Thus it is here an apt picture of the Hebrew people, blessed by God, but now rejected." [Note: Graybill, p. 667.]