Jeremiah 2: Mutual Devotion in the Wilderness

I remember concerning you the devotion of your youth, the love of your betrothals, your following Me in the wilderness in a land not sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the first of His harvest. Jer. 2: 2-3

When Israel left Egypt they probably would not have chosen to reach the Promised Land via the wilderness. The direct route to the Promised Land was not in God's plan, He chose the the route through the Red Sea and into the wilderness (Ex. 13:17). The wilderness experience was almost like a honeymoon, they were led by the pillar of fire by night and a protective cloud by day to each destination. The relationship between God and His people became an unbreakable bond. The Israelites were blessed in their wanderings and never lacked for anything (Deut 2:7) 

What if God hand handed over the Promised Land after leaving Egypt? How different would Israel's relationship with God be? In the wilderness the people established the covenant law, a civil society and exact patterns and rituals for worshipping God. With this established, the people could enter into a real relationship with God. God who was far off became near.

It must have been a precious to remember building this lasting foundation with what He now calls His people. God remembered that. The love. How they followed Him in a land not sown. How they put their trust in Him. And they were holy to Him, the very first of His harvest.      

"All who ate of it became guilty; evil came upon them" declares the Lord.