Jeremiah 2:3

Israel was set apart to the Lord; they were like the first fruits of a harvest to him. ¹  All who tried to devour them were punished; disaster came upon them,” says the Lord.’”

Ex 4:22,23; Ex 19:5,6; Ex 22:29; Ex 23:16; Nu 18:12; De 7:6; De 14:2; De 26:19; Ps 81:14,15; Ps 105:14,15,25-36; Isa 41:11; Isa 47:6; Jer 12:14; Jer 50:7; Joe 1:3,7,8; Am 6:1; Zec 1:15; Zec 2:8; Zec 12:2-4; Zec 14:20,21; Ac 9:4,5; Ro 11:16; Ro 16:5; Eph 1:4; Jas 1:18; 1Pe 2:9; Re 14:4

¹ sn Heb “the first fruits of his harvest.” Many commentators see the figure here as having theological significance for the calling of the Gentiles. It is likely, however, that in this context the metaphor – here rendered as a simile – is intended to bring out the special relationship and inviolability that Israel had with God. As the first fruits were the special possession of the Lord, to be eaten only by the priests and off limits to the common people, so Israel was God’s special possession and was not to be “eaten” by the nations.