My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Holy One in your midst; and I will not come with terror.
“My heart churns within me. My sympathy is stirred.” The Almighty, the Most High, condescends, stoops low. How approachable, even humble, is the Holy One in our midst. What a revelation!
Admah and Zeboiim were ancient, pagan cities destroyed in the LORD’s fierce anger, along with Sodom and Gomorrah. Cities filled with wickedness, godlessness. Israel, “My people”, are little better, almost totally given over to pagan idolatry. Yet, although worthy of destruction, they will be shown mercy. Why? “For I am God, and not man.” God is faithful to faithless Israel. He is mindful of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
How foolish it is to turn from God. It only leads to death and destruction. Turn to God. No matter what you’ve done or haven’t done in the past. Guilty? Confused? Hurting? Run to Him, with heart churning. His heart is churning too.
