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"I taught Ephraim to walk"

Text: Hosea 11:3

MORE FOND MEMORIES

The LORD recalled the time when Ephraim (Israel) was learning to walk as a young nation.

“I taught Ephraim to walk,
Taking them by their arms;
But they did not know that I healed them.”
Hosea 11:3

1. “I taught Ephraim to walk”

a) Ephraim was used to represent Israel.

b) Learning to walk

i) This was a reference to Israel in its earlier years.

ii) Israel was like a toddler learning to walk.

2. “Taking them by their arms”

a) A child slowly learns how to walk.

b) The watchful father is there to catch the toddler if he falls down.

c) The father lovingly takes the child by his arms to assist him where necessary.

3. “But they did not know”

a) Sadly, Israel did not recognize the LORD’s involvement.

b) The LORD was there every step of the way.

i) He gave teachers like Moses.

ii) He gave a sound judicial system.

iii) He gave a strong military leader like Joshua.

iv) He gave them Divine laws.

c) Israel did not bother

i) To learn.

ii) To relate to God.

iii) To live righteously.

4. “They did not know that I healed them”

a) Many were the sins Israel committed.

b) There were also many experiences of being sick.

c) Graciously and mercifully God healed the people. However, Israel did not know or appreciate what the LORD had done for the people.