Hosea 7:8 Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. 9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knows it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knows it not.
This is what became of the tribe of Ephraim, after every method was employed, with blessings, entreaties and disciplines. Yet for all this, Ephraim would not hear, but rather entrenched himself even further in the wrong course of action he insisted on pursuing. God tried to save the tribe in every way possible, but His gracious overtures were spurned time and time again.
Then, when every possible method God can use had been thoroughly exhausted, the solemn declaration was made” “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone”. This declaration is not made hastily, nor is it ever uttered spontaneously by God, on the spur of the moment. It is a culmination of years of resistance to God’s gracious overtures, which results in the person or nation being left to their own devices.
Even though some may not know it, the human agent can actually choose the methods God uses to reach him or her. If we respond to His overtures via His grace and loving-kindness, then he would not be moved to take it to the next level. In fact, God much prefers that folks respond in the positive, when He speaks kindly to us in our consciences.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!