Homilist Hosea 7:15 Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me. I. GOD'S DISPENSATIONS WITH MEN ARE CHARACTERISED BY VARIETY. The events of human life are of a mixed and conflicting character. But all are under the direction of the Great Father. As the soil to be fruitful requires the frosts of winter as well as the sunbeams of spring and summer, man requires trials as well as joys to make his spirit fruitful in good works. II. WHATEVER THE CHARACTER OF THE DIVINE DISPENSATIONS THEY ARE OFTEN PERVERTED. "They imagine mischief against Me" It matters not what the treatment, they continue to rebel. They are like the sterile ground, to which all seasons, all weathers are alike. Observe — 1. The force of the human will. It can oppose the influences of God, and turn what He designs for good to ill. Man is a voluntary agent. This links him to moral government, makes him responsible for his actions, and invests his existence with a momentous solemnity. 2. The depravity of the human heart. This force of will explains not man's rebellion, for regenerate souls and holy angels have it, and they run in the way of the Divine commandments. The reason of the rebellion is the depravity of the human heart, which is desperately wicked. Then open your hearts to the various dispensations of heaven; and be thankful for their variety. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.WEB: Though I have taught and strengthened their arms, yet they plot evil against me. |
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