Ephraim, what has he[660] to do any more with idols!
I have spoken for him, and I will look after him.
I am like an ever-green fir;
From Me is thy fruit found.
This version is not without its difficulties; but the alternative that God is addressed and Ephraim is the speaker—Ephraim says, What have I to do any more with idols? I answer and look to Him: I am like a green fir-tree; from me is Thy fruit found—has even greater difficulties,[661] although it avoids the unusual comparison of the Deity with a tree. The difficulties of both interpretations may be overcome by dividing the verse between God and the people:—
Ephraim! what has he to do any more with idols:
I have spoken for him, and will look after him.
In this case the speaking would be intended in the same sense as the speaking in chap. ii. to the heavens and earth, that they might speak to the corn and wine.[662] Then Ephraim replies:—
I am like an ever-green fir-tree;
From me is Thy fruit found.
But the division appears artificial, and the text does not suggest that the two I's belong to different speakers. The first version therefore is the preferable.
Some one has added a summons to later generations to lay this book to heart in face of their own problems and sins. May we do so for ourselves!
Who is wise, that he understands these things?
Intelligent, that he knows them?
Yea, straight are the ways of Jehovah,
And the righteous shall walk therein, but sinners shall stumble upon them.