Jeremiah 2:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 2:3 encapsulates the profound, covenantal relationship between Yahweh and ancient Israel, portraying the nation as uniquely consecrated to Him, akin to the sacred firstfruits of a harvest. This divine election established Israel as a distinct people, set apart for God's purposes and under His special protection. Consequently, the verse issues a stern warning: any nation or entity that would "devour" or harm Israel would incur divine guilt and face severe judgment from the LORD, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 2 opens with a poignant lament from the LORD, recalling Israel's early devotion and faithfulness during their wilderness journey, likening it to the honeymoon period of a newlywed bride ([Jeremiah 2:2](/jeremiah/2-2 "Jeremiah 2:2 - Israel's Early Devotion")). This verse, [Jeremiah 2:3](/jeremiah/2-3 "Jeremiah 2:3 - Israel as God's Holiness and Firstfruits"), immediately follows, establishing the unique, consecrated status Israel held in God's eyes from the very beginning. It sets the stage for the subsequent indictment against Judah's later apostasy, highlighting the stark contrast between their initial fidelity and their subsequent spiritual adultery, as described throughout [Jeremiah 2](/jeremiah/2 "Jeremiah 2 - Israel's Apostasy and God's Faithfulness"). The divine protection articulated here serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfastness, even as He prepares to judge His unfaithful people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, leading up to the Babylonian exile. This era was marked by political instability, religious syncretism, and a decline in covenant faithfulness after the death of the righteous King Josiah. The imagery of "firstfruits" (Hebrew: *rêʼshîyth*) is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern agricultural societies and Israelite religious practice. The first and best of the harvest were consecrated to God as an offering, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision over the entire yield (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Offering the Firstfruits")). Culturally, this practice signified ownership, dedication, and the expectation of blessing. For Israel to be called God's "firstfruits" underscored their unique status as a consecrated nation, personally chosen and owned by Yahweh, distinct from all other peoples.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Election and Sanctification**, emphasizing God's sovereign choice of Israel and their consequent status as "holiness unto the LORD," set apart for His exclusive purposes. Secondly, it underscores **God's Ownership and Covenantal Loyalty**, portraying Israel as His precious "firstfruits," signifying His rightful claim over them and His unwavering commitment to their well-being. This theme is foundational to understanding the covenant relationship established at Sinai ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Treasured Possession")). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Protection and Retributive Justice**. The declaration that "all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them" serves as a potent warning against those who would harm God's chosen people, echoing earlier promises of blessing those who bless Israel and cursing those who curse them ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). This foreshadows the judgment that will fall upon nations like Babylon, who, though used by God for discipline, ultimately incur guilt for their excessive cruelty against His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holiness (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From the root *qadash*, meaning "to be set apart" or "consecrated." In this context, *qôdesh* signifies Israel's unique status as a sacred entity, distinct from all other nations, dedicated exclusively to Yahweh. It speaks to their consecrated identity and purpose as God's chosen people, reflecting His own holy character.
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** Derived from the word for "head" or "beginning," *rêʼshîyth* denotes the first, best, or principal portion of an increase or harvest. As "the firstfruits of his increase," Israel is presented as God's initial and most precious yield, signifying His ownership, His blessing upon them, and their special value in His eyes. This imagery highlights their privileged position and their role as a consecrated offering to God.
* **Offend (Hebrew, _ʼâsham'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be guilty," and by implication, "to be punished" or "perish." When the text states that "all that devour him shall offend," it means that those who harm or consume Israel will incur guilt before God, leading inevitably to divine retribution and punishment. This word underscores the serious legal and moral consequences of violating God's protective decree over His consecrated people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Israel [was] holiness unto the LORD,"**: This clause establishes Israel's foundational identity and relationship with God. They were not merely one nation among many, but a people uniquely set apart, consecrated, and dedicated to Yahweh. Their very existence and purpose were sacred, reflecting God's own holiness.
* **"[and] the firstfruits of his increase:"**: Building on the previous statement, this phrase employs agricultural imagery to further define Israel's special status. Just as the firstfruits of a harvest were the initial, best, and consecrated portion, Israel was God's premier "increase" – His special possession, the initial yield of His redemptive work, signifying His ownership and blessing upon them.
* **"all that devour him shall offend;"**: This introduces a strong warning and a declaration of divine protection. "Devour" implies hostile consumption, destruction, or oppression. The consequence for those who would harm or oppress Israel is that they "shall offend," meaning they will incur guilt before God. This is not merely a moral transgression but a legal culpability that demands divine justice.
* **"evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD."**: This final clause explicitly states the inevitable outcome for those who incur God's wrath by harming His consecrated people. "Evil" (Hebrew: *raʻ*) here refers to calamity, adversity, or punishment. The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh*) functions as a divine oracle, lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement of judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 2:3 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the agricultural metaphor of "firstfruits," which vividly portrays Israel's precious and consecrated status before God. This image evokes concepts of ownership, dedication, and the expectation of blessing, drawing on a cultural understanding of sacred offerings. The phrase "all that devour him" employs a powerful **Metaphor** of consumption, personifying nations or entities that seek to destroy Israel as ravenous beasts or forces of destruction. This is coupled with **Retributive Justice**, where the act of "devouring" directly leads to the consequence of "offending" and "evil coming upon them," illustrating a direct cause-and-effect relationship in divine judgment. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD," is a classic prophetic **Formulaic Declaration** (or "oracle formula"), lending absolute authority and divine certainty to the pronouncement, emphasizing that this is not merely Jeremiah's word but the infallible decree of Yahweh Himself. The verse also employs a form of **Parallelism** in its structure, linking Israel's sacred identity ("holiness," "firstfruits") with the inevitable judgment upon those who violate that sacredness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 2:3 profoundly illustrates the enduring theological truth of God's covenantal faithfulness and His protective sovereignty over His chosen people. Israel's identity as "holiness unto the LORD" and "the firstfruits of his increase" underscores their unique status, not earned but graciously bestowed by divine election. This election established a special relationship where God committed to defending His people, viewing any aggression against them as an affront to Himself. This principle highlights God's justice: while He might use nations to discipline Israel, He holds those nations accountable for their malicious intent and excessive cruelty. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's covenant promises are inviolable, and His protective hand extends over those He has set apart for Himself.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Treasured Possession")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel as a Holy People")
* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Blessing/Cursing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 2:3, while rooted in ancient Israel's experience, offers profound reflections for believers today. It reminds us that God initiates relationships, choosing and setting apart a people for Himself. As New Testament believers, we are called to be a "holy nation, a people for God's own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Holy Priesthood")), echoing Israel's original calling. This verse encourages us to embrace our identity in Christ as those who are "in Christ" and therefore set apart for God's purposes. It assures us of God's protective care; just as He guarded ancient Israel, He watches over His spiritual children. While we do not seek physical retribution, we trust that God is ultimately sovereign over all who oppose His kingdom and His people, and that justice, in His time, will prevail. Our call is to live out our consecrated identity, trusting in His steadfast love and protection, and to remember that our lives are a "firstfruits" offering of worship and service to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does understanding your identity as "holiness unto the LORD" or "set apart" impact your daily life and choices?**
* **How does the imagery of "firstfruits" encourage you to offer your best to God in all areas of your life?**
* **How does the promise of divine protection in this verse strengthen your trust in God amidst challenges or opposition?**
* **What does it mean for you, personally, to live as part of God's "increase" in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What does "Israel was holiness unto the LORD" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies Israel's unique and consecrated status. It means that God Himself set Israel apart from all other nations, dedicating them exclusively to Himself for His divine purposes. They were considered sacred, distinct, and belonging to Yahweh, reflecting His own holy character. This was not a status they earned, but one graciously bestowed by God as part of His covenant with them, making them a special people and a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")).

**How does the "firstfruits of his increase" imagery apply to Israel?**

Answer: The "firstfruits" imagery draws from ancient agricultural practices where the first and best of the harvest were offered to God as a sign of dedication and gratitude. For Israel to be called God's "firstfruits" means they were His initial, most precious, and consecrated yield among all humanity. It highlights God's ownership of them, His blessing upon their existence, and their role as a special offering to Him, signifying His claim over them and the expectation of a greater spiritual harvest through them.

**Who are "all that devour him" and what does it mean that "evil shall come upon them"?**

Answer: "All that devour him" refers to any nation, entity, or individual who would oppress, harm, or seek to destroy Israel. Historically, this included nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, who acted with malicious intent against God's chosen people. The declaration that "evil shall come upon them" signifies divine judgment and retribution. It means that those who unjustly attack or consume God's consecrated people will incur guilt before Him and face severe consequences, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to protect His own, as seen in His promise to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing and Cursing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 2:3, with its declaration of Israel as "holiness unto the LORD" and "the firstfruits of his increase," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His Church. While Israel was God's chosen nation, their ultimate purpose was to point to the Messiah. Jesus himself is the true and ultimate "firstfruits"—the firstborn from the dead ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn")), the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), ushering in the new creation. Through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ consecrated humanity to God in a way Israel could not fully achieve. Believers, united with Christ, become part of this spiritual "firstfruits," a new people "holy and blameless before him" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")). The divine protection promised to Israel now extends to the Church, the body of Christ, as those who "devour" or oppose Christ's kingdom will ultimately incur God's wrath, for the gates of hell will not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church, Built on the Rock")). Thus, Jeremiah 2:3 foreshadows God's ultimate plan of redemption and consecration realized in Christ, establishing a new covenant people who are truly set apart for His glory and eternally secure in His protective hand.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: