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In both cases the meaning is the first ripe fruit. The reference in Numb. 13: 20 is to
that occasion when the spies entered into the promised land, the results of which form the
background of Heb. 3: and 4:, where Caleb and Joshua stand forward as overcomers.
Christ as the "forerunner" is Christ the "firstfruits". Here He is seen as the pledge and
earnest of the overcomer. As the "forerunner" of "first ripe" He is seen in Heb. 12: 2:--
"Who for the joy set before Him (cf. the hope set before us) endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
If then we consider the hope itself, we find it a sure and stedfast anchor; or the anchor
ground, we find it to be "that within the veil"; or the encouragement of example, we find
it in Christ, the forerunner and first ripe fruit of the harvest of the many sons He is
leading "to glory".