The Pulpit Commentary — Hosea — Section 249

Yers. 9-13.-TM _iustir-e of the judgments threatened with further additions. Their errand to Assyria added to their sin; they sought heathen helpers to uphold them in their apostasy and idolatry, incTeasing their sin. I. 0?-.~ SINFUL ACT IS PROLIFIC OF JiUNY MORE. One sinful course drnws on anot-her, just as one lie necessitates one or more to make it plausible, or prop it up or cloak it. The re-volt from the Davidic dynasty was a wrong step and a sinful one; the idolatry of the calves was still more wicked. 'l'he progression was from bad to worse; but to have recourse to foreign allies to secure them in their twofold national iniquity wa.~ yet another step down the steep incline of sin. • • II. Sm IS AT OKCE A FOOLISH AND EXPENSIVE THING. 1. Ephraim's conduct was as perverse in this regard as the headstrong wild ass that refuses all restraint, and stubbornly pursues its own headlong course through the desert; or, if it be a contrast and not a comparison, the folly of Ephraim is reproved by the wild ass, which is sufficiently wise to roam at large in its own solitary way, keeping aloof from all inter- ference with its liberty and retaining its independence. 2. But Ephraim's foUy cost them dear. Like a shameless wanton, wooir..g and not waiting to be wooed, they resorted to sinful helps which were as much adultery as idolatry itself; they hired help by such adulterous alliances. The help they thus procured in reality helped ·them not; they submitted to the suzerainty of Assyria, and became subject to imposts and tribute. To escape one master, men sometimes put themselves in the power of a worse, repeating the experience of the poet's fable- "A lordly stag, arm'd with superior force, Drove from their common field a vanquish'd hone, Who for re,enge to man his strength enslaved, Took up his rider and the bit received; But, though he conquer'd in the martial strife, He felt his rider's weight, and che.mp'd the bit for life." ill. GOD ALO:!-E IB THE BURE REFUGE OF RIB PEOPLE IN THEIR STRAITS, In time of trouble men often sin against God, and sin against their own soul hy going elsewhere in search of help. If in their straits they seek help of God, all will be well with them in the end. When trouble comes, when affiiction comes, when we are in distress, instead of simple shifts we are to seek help from God; instead of putting confidence in creaturely succours, we must apply to the Creator. . To neglect him and sue for relief elsewhere, is forsaking our own mercies and turning our back on God; to depart from God and depend on sinful means of help, is hurtful in the effort and in the effect; as w:ell in the emergency as in the issue and end. Nor need we ever distrust bis ea.re or doubt bis kindness, if only in earnest we apply to him; his help is real, his help is effectual; he bestows it without stint and without fee or reward, without m_oney and without price, As tLe psalmist sings so beautifully- ., God is om Refuge and our Strength, In straits a present Aid : Therefore, although the earth remove, We shall not be afraid." CIII:. TilJ. 1-H.] THEl BOOK OF HOSEA.