LISTEN
NASB:
For after I turned back, I repented; and after I was instructed, I smote on my thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated because I bore the reproach of my youth.
NIV:
After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.
Observations:
This is part of the recitation of Ephraim’s grief over his sin. He was one of the two sons of Joseph, the patriarch (one the tribes of Israel).
He tells us about his process of lamentation. First, he turned back. Then, he repented. He was being instructed along the way. He was also ashamed and humiliated because of sin
As part of his grieving process, he smote his thigh (or beat his breast), which was a sign of remorse and shame over past sin.
Takeaways:
We need to take our sin seriously. The first two steps are to repent of our sin and turn back from it.
Then, we must be instructed. It is very beneficial to have wise, Godly counsel when dealing with sin.
We must be ashamed and humiliated because of our sin.
But praise the Lord, his redemptive work means that we can live a new life not grounded in sin.
