Hosea 7:11

11 "Efrayim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Mitzrayim. They go to Ashshur.

Hosea 7:11 Meaning and Commentary

Hosea 7:11

Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without heart
Or understanding; which comes and picks up the corns of grain, which lie scattered about, and does not know that the net is spread for it; and when its young are taken away, it is unconcerned, and continues its nest in the same place still; and, when frightened, flees not to its dove house, where it would be safe, but flies about here and there, and so becomes a prey to others. Thus Ephraim, going to Egypt and Assyria for help, were ensnared by them, not having sense enough to perceive that this would be their ruin; and though they had heretofore suffered by them, yet still they continued to make their addresses to them; and instead of keeping close to the Lord, and to his worship and the place of it, and asking counsel and help of him they ran about and sought for it here and there: they call to Egypt;
that is, for help; as Hoshea king of Israel, when he sent messengers to So or Sabacon king of Egypt, for protection and assistance, ( 2 Kings 17:4 ) . Such a foolish part, like the silly doves, did they act; since the Egyptians had been their implacable enemies, and their fathers had been in cruel bondage under them: they go to Assyria;
send gifts and presents, and pay tribute to the kings thereof, to make them easy; as Menahem did to Pul, and Hoshea to Shalmaneser, ( 2 Kings 15:19 ) ( 17:3 ) . Some understand this last clause, not of their sin in going to the Assyrian for help; but of their punishment in going or being carried captive thither; and so the Targum seems to interpret it,

``they go captive, or are carried captive, into Assyria.''

Hosea 7:11 In-Context

9 Strangers have devoured his strength, And he doesn't realize it. Indeed, gray hairs are here and there on him, And he doesn't realize it.
10 The pride of Yisra'el testifies to his face; Yet they haven't returned to the LORD their God, Nor sought him, for all this.
11 "Efrayim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Mitzrayim. They go to Ashshur.
12 When they go, I will spread my net on them. I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard.
13 Woe to them! For they have wandered from me. Destruction to them! For they have trespassed against me. Though I would redeem them, Yet they have spoken lies against me.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.