Ephraim was too open to foreigners (Hos 7:8-7:10)

“Ephraim mixes himself

With various people.

Ephraim is a cake

Not turned.

Foreigners devour

His strength.

But he does not know it.

Gray hairs

Are sprinkled upon him.

But he does not know it.

Israel’s pride

Testifies against him.

Yet they do not return

To Yahweh

Their God.

They do not seek him,

For all this.”

Ephraim was always mixing with other people. They often sought alliances with other countries. They were like a half-baked cake, only done on one side. These foreigners devoured Ephraim. Their hair was turning gray, but Ephraim did not know what was going on. Their pride testified against them. They failed to return to Yahweh, their God. Neither did they seek him out, when they were in trouble.