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O faith? No entry! God's standard is plain (Hebrews 11:6). Either we trust Him, or we cannot and will not be accepted by Him. In this chapter that we are studying now, Isaiah wrote from the mouth of the Lord, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, o sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16 – see also Romans 9:33 & 10:11, 1st Peter 2:6, John 3:18, 6:35 & 47, & 7:38 and Mark 16:16). God rewards faith and simply can't tolerate doubt. When we don't trust Him, it is because our evil hearts are suspicious and selfish. Some people doubt His abilities, and some doubt His motives or character. There are even fools who doubt His very existence, but this is all nonsense. He can be depended on. And, those of us who are His know this very well.
In these prophecies about Ephraim, there are many wonderful truths over which to ruminate. The description of Jehovah as "a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty" is certainly intriguing. And, the drunkenness of those who are supposed to have spiritual discernment is a study worth delving into as well. But, the heart of the matter here is that Ephraim had turned to idols and to heathen nations for help instead of to God. So, God sent word through Isaiah concerning their judgment. Meticulously, with both harsh threats and gentle pleas, Isaiah was sent to dissuade them from their rebellion; but to no avail. But, the more carefully they were taught, the more hopeless their situation became. They simply refused to believe.
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