Hosea 6:4 O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? for your goodness is as a morning cloud… The climate of Palestine is dry, and accordingly dew is especially precious. Hence it is a natural figure of welcome blessings. "I will be dew unto Israel; As the dew on Hermon." Rain, too, is now and again infrequent, and is therefore longed for and prized. "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass." Both dew and rain are necessary for vegetation and life, and are appropriate emblems of highest good. And as a light dew is too soon scorched up, and as a passing rain-cloud disappoints the expectations of the husbandman, these serve to set forth such good signs and omens as are not fulfilled and realized. So they were used by Hoses with reference to Israel; and such a purpose they may subserve in fixing attention upon superficial and transitory goodness wherever it is found. I. A CERTAIN KIND OF GOODNESS IS ADMITTED. The case is that of an irreligious man who by some means is led to give attention to spiritual teaching, and to take interest and even pleasure in it. One hitherto impenitent now sheds tears of sorrow because of his sin. One formerly unrighteous now makes efforts after justice and holiness, and the reformation of his conduct is obvious and undeniable. Among the young we often meet with cases corresponding with the figurative language of the text. Deep impressions seem to be made, if we may judge by the outward and unmistakable appearances. II. VARIOUS CAUSES ACCOUNT FOR THIS KIND OF GOODNESS. Events which have happened in the order of God's providence, some striking calamity or bereavement, some faithful admonition of parent or teacher, some impressive sermon, or some startling word from Holy Writ, the example of decided piety presented by some one near and deal - any of these may well account for the kind of goodness described in the figurative language of the text. III. THIS KIND OF GOODNESS IS OFTEN TRANSITORY. As the dew of the morning dries up in the blazing heat of the sun; as the gathering cloud disperses and vanishes away; as the blossom of spring is blasted and issues in no fruit; as the splendid sunrise is followed by an unsettled, dreary, or stormy day; - so the promise put forth by the young, the ardent, the impressible, is often doomed to issue in disappointment. This may be owing to natural levity and fickleness, to the influence of worldly society, to violent temptations, or to the mere lapse of time. But one thing is indisputable, and that is the contrast between the promise and the fulfillment. IV. THE KIND OF GOODNESS IS VERY MISCHIEVOUS. And this in many ways. Spiritual dryness and barrenness return, and are worse than before. A reproach accrues to the religion of Christ, and a discouragement falls upon the ministers of Christ. Such cases act as a dissuasive from a religious profession, and they are destructive of the spiritual prospects of the unhappy persons who experience the transitory change. V. THE FEELINGS WITH WHICH GOD CONTEMPLATES THIS KIND OF GOODNESS. He is here represented as asking, "What shall I, what can I, do?" Such an inquiry is a revelation of deep interest, of willingness to use every method to create a more permanent impression, of grief that all which has hitherto been done has, alas! been done in vain. What a revelation of the Divine heart! VI. THE FEELINGS WITH WHICH THOSE TO WHOM THIS DESCRIPTION APPLIES SHOULD REGARD THEMSELVES. Such should ask, "How is our superficial character, our inconsistent conduct, regarded by God?" Taking a profoundly serious view of their conduct and state, they should repent, and humbly seek the influences of the Holy Spirit, that their hearts may be as good soil, bearing much fruit. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away. |
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