God’s Controversy with Israel

II. D. The worst judgment: divine abandonment (17) “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.” The Lord does not intend to lead Israel to repentance. For His decree is, Conscience, let him alone; Ministers, let him alone; Spirit of God in the Word, let him alone. There comes a day, too, when godly parents must let him alone, for they die and pass on to heaven. They cannot exhort and warn him anymore. Let him be oblivious to his backsliding until he slides into hell. He loves his enslavement...