Homilist Hosea 7:11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. When pursued by a bird of prey the dove trusts to the rapidity of its flight, instead of at once throwing itself into the nearest recess, where the interference of man, or the narrowness of the place might render it secure from molestation. So Ephraim, instead of trusting God, rested his hope of defence on negotiations with Assyria or Egypt. What do naturalists say about the dove? I. IT IS TOO SILLY TO DEFEND ITS OWN. Most creatures will stand by their young and defend them to the last; but the dove allows them to be captured without resistance. Ephraim had sunk into this state: his most distinguished blessings were going from him, and he did not struggle to retain them. The sinner will not battle with the devil to defend his own — his force of thought — his sensibility of conscience — his freedom of will — his purity of love — he allows these precious things to be taken from him without a struggle. II. IT IS TOO SILLY TO FEEL ITS LOSS. The dove will lose its nest, and not feel it. Men under the influence of sin do not feel their loss. Whatever is taken from them, they still cling to earthly things. III. IT IS TOO SILLY TO ESCAPE DANGER (Proverbs 7:23). So sinners will not flee to the right place of safety. They are too silly to be calm under trial. The dove has not the courage to stay in the dove-house when frightened, it flutters and hovers round, and so exposes itself to new and greater dangers. So Ephraim hurried forth in quest of foreign help, and was the more exposed to calamities and ruin. And it is thus with souls under the influence of sin. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. |
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