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"Ephraim is joined to idols"

Text: Hosea 4:17

THE LEADING TRIBE

The leading tribe of Israel was Ephraim. It was singled out for special mention and rebuke.

“Ephraim is joined to idols,
Let him alone.
Their drink is rebellion,
They commit harlotry continually.
Her rulers dearly love dishonor.
The wind has wrapped her up in its wings,
And they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.”
Hosea 4:17-19

1. “Ephraim”

a) It had failed to play a positive role as the leading tribe.

b) Instead it had joined itself to idolatrous practices.

c) Its drink is rebellion.

i) It is normal to have food and drink.

ii) But Ephraim’s normal intake of food and drink is “rebellion”.

iii) Harlotry (idolatry) was a common practice found all over the nation.

d) Rulers

i) They failed miserably.

ii) Rulers are supposed to live with honour.

iii) Instead the rulers loved dishonor.

2. Judgment

a) “Let him alone.”

b) This was a solemn statement.

i) Ephraim would suffer severe judgment.

ii) God would allow it to wallow in its sins.

c) Ephraim also represents the nation of Israel.

3. “The wind”

a) The wind of adversity.

b) Adversity would wrap its wings around the whole nation.

4. “They shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices”

These sacrifices were made to the multitude of idols in Israel. They worshipped in pride. But adversity would reduce the pride of the nation to shame one day!