Introduction: In all languages the same word is used in different contexts to mean slightly and sometime more major different things. Ephraim, although the name of one of the sons of Joseph, in this instance is used as the name of the separated northern part of Israel when at Solomon’s death Israel became a divided kingdom under separate kings.
1 Ah, the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim,
and the fading flower of its glorious beauty,
which is on the head of the rich valley of those overcome with wine!
2 Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong;
like a storm of hail, a destroying tempest,
like a storm of mighty, overflowing waters,
he casts down to the earth with his hand.
3 The proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim
will be trodden underfoot;
4 and the fading flower of its glorious beauty,
which is on the head of the rich valley,
will be like a first-ripe fig before the summer:
when someone sees it, he swallows it
as soon as it is in his hand.
5 In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory,
and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people,
6 and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,
and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
7 These also reel with wine
and stagger with strong drink;
the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink,
they are swallowed by wine,
they stagger with strong drink,
they reel in vision,
they stumble in giving judgment.
8 For all tables are full of filthy vomit,
with no space left.
Comment: Verses 1-4 &7-8 are like a lamp shining brightly into a very dark and depressing room. In these verses the room is described in powerful nasty word pictures! The prophet uses a range of examples to describe the need for God to step into their world. Note that leaders, both secular and religious, as well as all the people of the nation of Ephraim are in the spotlight of God’s assessment and judgement (Ephraim is also known as ‘Samaria’ elsewhere in the Bible, and even used today). The following pictures which we can all easily visualise as real situations are; drunkenness, wilting flowers, caught in a hailstorm, in a cyclone, flooded out, an ingested fig, a table of good food now inedible because covered with vomit! And, in spite of all this, God’s promises in v5&6 are the antithesis of the rest of the passage and leave us with Hope!
Proverbs 3: 5-7 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Prayer: You are awesome our Father God. Fearing You, help me to be trusting and hopeful in Your promises!
As I read it! 