The Silly Dove
"Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hast heard." (Hosea 7:11-12)
Ephraim had forsaken God and God's way. In their folly they sought to make alliance first with Egypt and then with Assyria. They would not come to rest in their protected place — the arms of the Almighty. They were thus compared to a silly dove that is flitting about went straight into the fowler's net and to destruction. The reason is obvious; they could not hide from God.
So it is with those who live in sin. They can never escape God's retribution. "... I will spread my net upon them? I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them..." It is folly to live in sin. It is to act as the "silly dove." As the silly dove, those who are in sin are unaware of the precariousness of their situation. While they think that all is well, they are traveling straight into the net of judgment. As the silly dove, they do not sense the true resting place of security in the love of God.
If you, friend, are living in sin, flee now to the only refuge that there is — the arms of Jehovah. "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the cover of thy wings." (Psalms 61:2-4). Sinner, friend, won't you give your life and heart to God now? Be not as the silly dove!
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