“I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal–peor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.”
The nostalgic memory that the LORD found Israel like grapes in the wilderness and saw your ancestors like the first fruit on the fig tree in its first season suggests that Israel's original covenant relationship was characterized by God's gracious discovery and delighting in the people. The image of Israel as unexpected treasure evokes the precarious beauty of early covenantal relationship before apostasy. This verse contrasts the past favor with present judgment, making the current tragedy more poignant through memory of original grace.
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