Hosea 14:8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree… The necessity and power of Divine influence to regenerate the heart is a truth in which all Christians will agree who make the Word of God their sole guide. This doctrine receives confirmation from the history of Ephraim. Two things. Ephraim's abandonment of idols; and God's reception of him. I. THE RENUNCIATION. Here is — 1. The language of confession. The strong aversion he expresses is a virtual admission of his precious attachment. The state of Ephraim in his degeneracy is a correct picture of the entire family of man in their irreligious condition. 2. The language of detestation. The predominating sin of Israel was the worship of idols. With us the sin which has been most prevalent lies the heaviest on the conscience, and becomes the object of the most unqualified indignation. 3. Ephraim resolved on the abandonment of his idols. There is a noble promptitude in this pious determination. II. THE RECEPTION. 1. The Divine attention. "I have heard him." 2. The Divine observation. "I have observed him:" 3. The Divine protection. "I am like a green fir-tree," which affords grateful shade and security to the traveller. It conveys the ideas of repose, refreshment, safety. 4. Fruitfulness is provided for. This extends the previous image. Reference probably is to the fruit which the penitent bears after conversion to God. This subject is a check to despondency. No true penitent has cause for despair. (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. |
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