When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. He exalted himself in Israel, But when he became guilty in Baal, he died.
And died - Death is the penalty of sin. Ephraim “died” spiritually. For sin takes away the life of grace, and separates from God, the true life of the soul, the source of all life. He “died more truly, than he who is dead and at rest.” Of this death, our Lord says, “Let the dead bury their dead” Matthew 8:22; and Paul, “She who liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth” 1 Timothy 5:6. He “died” also as a nation and kingdom, being sentenced by God to cease to be.