Hosea 5:13 When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb… I. SIN, HOWEVER REJOICED IN, BRINGS MANY SORROWS IN ITS TRAIN. Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his wound. Sin is the disease of the soul; bitter to bear, difficult to cure. Like the leprosy over the body, it overspread the entire framework of the mind. Conscience itself is either blind or dumb; blind, that it does not see our danger, or dumb, that it does not sound an alarm. Sometimes it is a silenced preacher, or an ambassador in bonds. The disease of the body may be known by various symptoms, so may that of the soul. The taste is vitiated. Disease produces want of rest. It prostrates the strength. It darkens and obscures the beauty of the outward frame. Some diseases rob the soul of reason. Sinners are described as "mad upon their idols." II. MEN, WHEN INVOLVED IN SUFFERING, OFTEN HAVE RECOURSE TO WRONG SOURCES OF BELIEF. 1. They do so in worldly trials. Illustrate by Ephraim sending to King Jareb. So with men now. The creature is everything and God nothing. 2. In spiritual distress. Men are often sorry for their troubles, not for their transgressions. When conscience is aroused men try partial repentance and amendment; sacraments, etc. III. A SUCCESSION OF TRIALS MAY BE NEEDED TO CONVINCE MEN OF THEIR SIN AND DANGER, AND DRIVE THEM OFF FROM FALSE REFUGES. Various are the means God employs. If lighter judgments fail, heavier are sent. IV. THE ULTIMATE DESIGN OF GOD'S PROCEDURE WITH HIS OWN PEOPLE IS NOT DESTRUCTION BUT SALVATION. "They will seek Me early." "Come, and let us return." (S. T.) Parallel Verses KJV: When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. |
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