God and his reformed people.
"Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found." Some think that this is a dialogistic parallel as follows: "Ephraim: What have I further to do with idols? God: I have answered and will regard him. Ephraim: I am like a green cypress. God: From me is thy fruit found." But I am disposed to regard, with Delitzsch and others, that God, and not Ephraim, is representing himself as the "green fir tree." I observe, therefore—
I. THAT GOD FORESEES THE CHANGE IN HIS REFORMED PEOPLE. "Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols?"
1. Mark the description of the change. Before the period of their conversion comes, he hears them say, "What have I to do any more with idols?" What have I to do with them?
2. Mark God's recognition of the change. "I have heard him, and observed him." He is cognizant of all the reflections, remorses, resolutions, of the repentant soul.
II. THAT GOD PROVIDES BLESSINGS FOR HIS REFORMED PEOPLE.
1. Protection. "I am like a green fir tree." Those trees in Eastern countries were exceedingly large and thick, affording shelter from sun and storms and showers.
2. Support. "From me is thy fruit found." God is to his people the source of all relief and good, both for this life and the life to come.
CONCLUSION. Sinner, repent and be converted. Say, "What have I to do any more with idols?" Renounce the old. The Almighty Father is ready to receive and bless you.—D.T.