Render thus,--Ephraim indeed is a heifer, broken in and loving to thresh, and I have spared the beauty of her neck; but now will I make Ephraim to draw.
Changes for Ephraim
Israel’s punishment is enhanced by contrast with her former prosperity, which, as a mark of the Divine goodness, is compared to the consideration with which a young heifer is treated by its master. The work of treading out the corn was pleasant and easy; the heifer could eat freely as it walked without a muzzle round and round the threshing-floor. But this heifer, that is Israel, has abused the kindness of its Lord, and henceforth shall be put to the heavy labour of the field--a figure for the depressing conditions of life under a foreign master. The rendering “spared” (lit. passed by) is justified by Mic_7:18; Pro_19:2; it adds a beautiful distinctness to the figure, for the heavy yokes used in the East not only gall the necks of the animals, but often produce deep wounds. The meaning is that Jehovah has hitherto pre served His people from the yoke of captivity. (T. K. Cheyne, D. D.)
Ephraim’s two yokes
Albeit Ephraim bred themselves delicately, and could not endure trouble, or God’s yoke, yet God would put a yoke upon them, and to endure bondage and captivity. The yoke of treading out the corn, which was easy work, is contrasted with the hard yoke of the plough and the harrow. Whence learn--
1. It is a fault incident to our nature to be much addicted to our own ease, and that which brings present content and comfort, and to abhor any lot or way of God’s service which proves contrary to that.
2. It is a great snare to men, making them to dote on an easy way, when they have been accustomed in God’s providence to such a lot, and, by taking too well with it, become effeminate: for “Ephraim is taught, and loveth to tread out the corn,” that is, hath been tenderly dealt with, and hath accustomed his own heart to that way.
3. God hath an indignation at such as are too delicate, and take too well with ease, and is provoked to put them to trouble. For “I passed over upon her fair neck,” that is, I brought her under the yoke, who kept herself so dainty: as if a man put a yoke upon the fat and sound neck of an undaunted heifer.
4. Let wicked men tamper as they will, yet they will not get trouble always shifted, but God will bring captivity and bondage, or other trouble upon them. Ephraim shall be tossed into captivity, as a man makes his horse carry him in far journeys.
5. The Lord’s sentence is universal against all secure and delicate sinners, that He will send toil and trouble upon them, be they less or more corrupt. Therefore doth Judah, though more pure in many things than Israel, come in in the sentence, “Judah shall plough,” which is a hard labour.
6. The hard lots of sinners may yet, through God’s blessing, prove useful and profitable to them, however they may be ill-satisfied with them. (George Hutcheson.)
