Vers. 17. Ephraim is joyned unto idols: let him a∣lone.
The sixth and last article of the accusation is against their Kingly tribe, called by the name of Ephraim, because the first, and many of their following Kings were of that tribe, and it is conceived that Samaria their chief city stood in that tribe. The accusation hath two branches; in the first whereof, they are charged with being so mad on idolatry, that they are become desperate and irrecoverable. Whence learn, 1. As mens great∣nesse hath its own snares to sin accompanying it; so however they think themselves above the reach of any challenge or censure; yet the Lord will not spare the sins of the greatest, as being or∣dinarily ring-leaders and chief masters in the sins of a land; there∣fore doth he challenge Ephraim, especially for idolatry, which he actively carried on by reason of his State interests. 2. Idolatry is a very bewitching sin, and doth keep where it gets a grip; for, Ephraim is joyned to idols, or glued to them, that he cannot any more be divided from them: for, albeit his politick interest drew him that way at first, yet being engaged, not only that, but a spirit of whoredome and Gods judgements keeps him to it, as a way most agreeable to his own heart. 3. As the Lord will at last give up desperate and incorrigible sinners to them∣selves and their own wayes, so to be thus left is the chiefest of miseries: Men need no more to make them miserable, but to get leave to want a check from conscience or the Ministery of the Word, or from Providence; for, saith he, let him alone, that is, not so much, thou Judah have no converse with him; of which sufficient hath been spoken on v. 15. as, let him go on without any further reproving of him.