Hosea 9
The concept taught by the Apostle Paul of men being considered the first fruits is found within this chapter. Hosea 9:10 “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 Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.” In the feast of first fruits the best and first ripe of the crop is dedicated to the Heavenly Father. When Israel corrupted themselves by worshiping the false god Baalpeor they became like rotten fruits. Hosea 9:5 “What will ye do in the solemn day, and in the day of the feast of the LORD?” Imagine to yourself being in the time of the feast of first fruits and all your crops are rotten, spoiled, and rancid. Will you present them still before the most High? Will you eat them? With that same regard we could not listen to teachers of images even if they call themselves Israelites. Hosea 9:7 “The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.”
