👉 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 2:3. It's a really important and complex verse, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here's what it means, broken down piece by piece: 1. "Jeremiah 2:3 Israel [was] holiness unto the LORD..." “Jeremiah”: This refers to a specific prophet named Jeremiah, who lived around 600 BC during a time of great upheaval in Judah. "Holy unto the Lord" : This is the key part. "Holy" means set apart, dedicated, and worthy of God's love and attention. It’s about being completely devoted to Him. Think of it like a very pure and respectful relationship with God. 2. "...and the firstfruits of his increase:" “Firstfruits” : This is a figurative way of saying that Israel was special and important to God. It wasn’t just any people; they were chosen for something truly significant. "Of his increase" : This means that Israel's faithfulness and devotion to God led to God's blessings and prosperity . It meant they were a source of good things for Him. 3. "All that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them..." “Devour him” : This is the scary part! It means Israel was threatened or dangerous to God. Think of it like something that would destroy something precious. "Shall offend" : This is a strong warning – they were in danger of being displeased by God. “Evil shall come upon them” : This means that if Israel continued to be unfaithful, unloving, and rebellious against God, they would face serious consequences - it meant suffering, punishment, and trouble. So, putting it all together: Jeremiah is saying that Israel was already set apart and special to God because of their faithfulness. They were a source of good things for Him, and if they continued on that path, they would be in danger of being displeased by God, leading to terrible consequences. What's the big takeaway? It’s a strong warning about the importance of remaining faithful to God. It emphasizes that true devotion is rewarded – it brings blessings and protects you from harm. It’s a call to live righteously and prioritize God’s will above all else. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail, perhaps with an analogy? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the Old Testament? Explore what it might mean for our lives today?