“Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one, like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, who will bring them down to the earth with His hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, will be trampled underfoot, And the glorious beauty is a fading flower.” (vv.1-4)
The crown of pride mentioned here in our text is a Hebrew expression denoting a proud or haughty crown. Some believe the prophet mentions this crown of flowers (which use to be worn by the drunkards in their parties), to convey a strong idea of the universal depravity and folly of the nation.
Ancient Samaria was truly one of great beauty. But, having many excellent vineyards within its borders, the people were prone to drinking, and were frequently guilty of over indulging (drunkenness), specifically the leadership; leaders, priests, and prophets (vv.7-8). With the imminent invasion by Assyria pending and Isaiah’s warning clearly delivered, God’s people should have been praying, not partying. They should have been listening to the words of His prophet, instead of the impaired judgment of their leaders.
Today, when it comes to clear, and unimpaired thinking, this country is truly way off base. Redefining terms, blurring lines, creating loopholes, declaring evil to be good and good to be evil. The “Crown” has become the end that justifies all means of getting it. So sad, and yet scriptural, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13).
What love grew cold? The love for God and His Word. And just as this was the downfall of Ephraim, so it will be with any nation that turns its back on God. But, he who perseveres to the end, will be saved.
The Truth: “For as it was in the days of Noah so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30)
The crown of pride mentioned here in our text is a Hebrew expression denoting a proud or haughty crown. Some believe the prophet mentions this crown of flowers (which use to be worn by the drunkards in their parties), to convey a strong idea of the universal depravity and folly of the nation.
Ancient Samaria was truly one of great beauty. But, having many excellent vineyards within its borders, the people were prone to drinking, and were frequently guilty of over indulging (drunkenness), specifically the leadership; leaders, priests, and prophets (vv.7-8). With the imminent invasion by Assyria pending and Isaiah’s warning clearly delivered, God’s people should have been praying, not partying. They should have been listening to the words of His prophet, instead of the impaired judgment of their leaders.
Today, when it comes to clear, and unimpaired thinking, this country is truly way off base. Redefining terms, blurring lines, creating loopholes, declaring evil to be good and good to be evil. The “Crown” has become the end that justifies all means of getting it. So sad, and yet scriptural, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13).
What love grew cold? The love for God and His Word. And just as this was the downfall of Ephraim, so it will be with any nation that turns its back on God. But, he who perseveres to the end, will be saved.
The Truth: “For as it was in the days of Noah so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17:26-30)
