8 Ephraim mixes himself with the nations ; Ephraim has become a cake not turned . 9 Strangers devour his strength , Yet he does not know it; Gray hairs also are sprinkled on him, Yet he does not know it. 10 Though the pride of Israel testifies against him, Yet they have not returned to the Lord their God , Nor have they sought Him, for all this . 11 So Ephraim has become like a silly dove , without sense ; They call to Egypt , they go to Assyria . 12 When they go , I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like the birds of the sky . I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation to their assembly . 13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from Me! Destruction is theirs, for they have rebelled against Me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against Me. 14 And they do not cry to Me from their heart When they wail on their beds ; For the sake of grain and new wine they assemble themselves, They turn away from Me. 15 Although I trained and strengthened their arms , Yet they devise evil against Me. 16 They turn , but not upward , They are like a deceitful bow ; Their princes will fall by the sword Because of the insolence of their tongue . This will be their derision in the land of Egypt .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hosea 7:8-16
Commentary on Hosea 7:8-16
(Read Hosea 7:8-16)
Israel was as a cake not turned, half burnt and half dough, none of it fit for use; a mixture of idolatry and of the worship of Jehovah. There were tokens of approaching ruin, as grey hairs are of old age, but they noticed them not. The pride which leads to break the law of God leads to self-flattery. The mercy and grace of God are the only refuge to which obstinate sinners never think of fleeing. Though they may howl forth their terrors in the form of prayers, they seldom cry to God with their hearts. Even their prayers for earthly mercies only seek fuel for their lusts. Their turning from one sect, sentiment, form, or vice, to another, still leaves them far short of Christ and holiness. Such are we by nature. And such shall we prove if left to ourselves. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.