Homilist Hosea 2:6-7 Therefore, behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.… God puts forth restraints on the sinner here. I. THESE RESTRAINTS ARE MANIFOLD. "I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall." The first metaphor is taken from a husbandman who to prevent the cattle from breaking away plants a prickly hedge. The ether is taken from architecture. If the thorns are insufficient, high and massive walls must be built. 1. The restraint of affliction. 2. The restraint of public sentiment. The most daring cower before the public voice. 3. The restraint of conscience. A Divine officer holding the sinner in. II. THESE RESTRAINTS ARE NECESSARY. 1. For the sinner himself. Were it not for these he would go galloping to perdition. 2. For the world. What would become of the world if the wicked were not reined in? 3. For the Church. Had wicked men their full fling, how long would the Church last? Thank God for thorny hedges and massive walls, for all the restraints He puts on sinful men. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. |
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