9:10 grapes in the wilderness. An unusual and delicious find.

first fruit on the fig tree. The early fig that ripens on the previous year’s sprouts is not only very tender but quite uncommon (cf. Is. 28:4). These images stress how exceptional and pleasing was the Lord’s initial covenant relationship with Israel.

Baal-peor. A reference to Israel’s sexual and spiritual adultery in the wilderness (Num. 25 and notes)—behavior that was paralleled by Hosea’s contemporaries.

became detestable. By joining themselves to Baal, the god of shame, the Israelites themselves became detestable.