This scripture, when rightly understood, is most interesting and instructive. The chapter opens with an exhortation to Israel to return to the Lord their God with words of confession and supplication. Together with this there is the renunciation of all other helpers, whether of Assyria, on whom they had so often leaned to their own confusion, or if false gods, whose impotence they had so often proved in the time of their calamities. Israel was now learning that in Jehovah alone "the fatherless findeth mercy." This state of repentance and confession draws forth as ever an instant response of forgiveness, restoration, and blessing. (vv. 4-7.) Thereon comes our scripture. First we have the effect of grace on the heart of Ephraim, who says, "What have I to do any more with idols?" Then Jehovah, who ever delights to mark the action of His Spirit on the hearts of His people, speaks, "I have heard him, and observed him." The next clause again is the language of Ephraim: "I am like a green fir tree." And then once more Jehovah speaks, to remind Ephraim of the source of his new-found blessing, and says,
"From Me is thy fruit found," a needed instruction for God's people at all times. The last verse, we apprehend, is a lesson drawn from the whole book, as it speaks of Jehovah's ways in the government of His people. To understand them, divine wisdom is requisite; and blessed is it for those who can say with the prophet, "The ways of the Loan are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein."