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"Planted in a pleasant place"

Text: Hosea 9:13

A GOOD BEGINNING

Ephraim had begun so well. Yet, he turned out so poorly. This is a problem that is not easily resolved.

“Just as I saw Ephraim like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place,
So Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer.”
Hosea 9:13

1. “Just as I saw Ephraim like Tyre”

a) Tyre in the days of Hosea:

i) Wealthy

ii) Powerful with strong fortifications

b) Ephraim

i) It began with a blessing to do well (Genesis 48:19-20).

ii) The blessing pronounced on Joseph was the legacy of Ephraim (Deuteronomy 33:13-17).

2. “Planted in a pleasant place”

a) This was clearly described in Deuteronomy 33:13-17.

i) “Blessed…with the precious things of heaven” (Deuteronomy 33:13)

ii) “The precious fruits of the sun” (Deuteronomy 33:14)

iii) “The best things of the ancient mountains” (Deuteronomy 33:15)

iv) “The precious things of the earth” (Deuteronomy 33:16)

v) “His glory is like a firstborn bull” (Deuteronomy 33:17a)

vi) “They are the ten thousands of Ephraim” (Deuteronomy 33:17d)

b) Ephraim representing Israel had every reason to rejoice:

i) In the blessings of God.

ii) In the presence of the Lord.

iii) But what if His presence is withdrawn?

3. “So Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer”

a) Ephraim had forsaken the Lord for idols.

b) It refused to repent.

c) God then withdrew His presence and His blessings.

d) His children would become prey to murderers (Assyria).

This was the sad future for Ephraim. But these prophetic words fell on deaf ears!