8 Ephraim mixes himself with the peoples; Ephraim is a cake not turned. 9 Foreigners devour his strength, but he does not know it; gray hairs are sprinkled upon him, but he does not know it. 10 Israel's pride testifies against him; yet they do not return to the Lord their God, or seek him, for all this. 11 Ephraim has become like a dove, silly and without sense; they call upon Egypt, they go to Assyria. 12 As they go, I will cast my net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air; I will discipline them according to the report made to their assembly. 13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against me. 14 They do not cry to me from the heart, but they wail upon their beds; they gash themselves for grain and wine; they rebel against me. 15 It was I who trained and strengthened their arms, yet they plot evil against me. 16 They turn to that which does not profit; they have become like a defective bow; their officials shall fall by the sword because of the rage of their tongue. So much for their babbling 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.