Jeremiah 2:3

Israel [was] holiness unto the LORD, [and] the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.

Israel {H3478} was holiness {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}, and the firstfruits {H7225} of his increase {H8393}: all that devour {H398} him shall offend {H816}; evil {H7451} shall come {H935} upon them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

"'Isra'el is set aside for ADONAI, the firstfruits of his harvest; all who devour him will incur guilt; evil will befall them," says ADONAI.

Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her found themselves guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD.

Israel was holiness unto Jehovah, the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall be held guilty; evil shall come upon them, saith Jehovah.

Jeremiah 2:3 is a powerful statement about God's unique relationship with ancient Israel, portraying them as set apart and specially treasured. This verse serves as a foundational reminder of Israel's privileged position before God, a status that also carried divine protection.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Jeremiah delivered this message during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, leading up to the Babylonian exile. In this chapter, God, through Jeremiah, is recalling Israel's early days, immediately after the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. At that time, Israel was fresh in their dedication, like a young bride devoted to her husband (as implied in the preceding verses, Jeremiah 2:2). The imagery of "firstfruits" draws on ancient agricultural practices where the first and best of the harvest were consecrated to God as a sacred offering, signifying His ownership and blessing upon the entire yield.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Election and Sanctification: God chose Israel out of all the nations, setting them apart as His own. They were not merely a people, but "holiness unto the LORD," consecrated for His purposes. This highlights God's initiative and His special love for His chosen people.
  • God's Ownership and Blessing: As "the firstfruits of his increase," Israel was God's initial and most precious harvest. This implies that their existence and prosperity were a direct result of God's blessing and that they belonged exclusively to Him.
  • Divine Protection and Judgment: The latter part of the verse carries a strong warning: "all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD." This underscores God's unwavering commitment to protect His chosen nation. Those who oppressed or harmed Israel would incur guilt before God and face His judgment. This principle is also echoed in God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holiness" is qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), which denotes being set apart, consecrated, or sacred. It emphasizes Israel's unique status as distinct from other nations, chosen by God for a special relationship. The term "firstfruits" is bikkurim (בִּכּוּרִים), referring to the initial and best portion of the harvest, which was to be presented to God as an offering (see Exodus 23:19). To "devour" (אָכַל - akhal) implies consuming or destroying, while "offend" (אָשֵׁם - ashem) means to incur guilt or suffer punishment. This highlights the severity of violating God's protective decree over Israel.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 2:3 reminds us of God's deep commitment to those He calls His own. While specifically referring to ancient Israel, the principle resonates for believers today. As the New Testament speaks of the church as God's spiritual Israel (e.g., Galatians 6:16), we are also called to be a people set apart for God's purposes, a "peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9). This verse assures us that God watches over His people and that ultimately, those who oppose His divine plan or harm His children will face consequences. It encourages believers to live in awareness of their sacred identity and to trust in God's protective hand.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 14:4

    These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

  • James 1:18

    Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

  • Isaiah 41:11

    Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

  • Romans 11:16

    For if the firstfruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches.

  • Deuteronomy 14:2

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.

  • Deuteronomy 7:6

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

  • Exodus 4:22

    And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:

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