Hosea 14:8

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.