“Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 11. Decoyed. Hebrew “stupid.” Calmet. 4:11. The dove is the only bird which is not grieved at the loss of its young. Saint Jerome—It returns to the same nest, though repeatedly robbed, forgetting past dangers. Theod.—Thus Israel is not reclaimed, though idolatry has so often proved its ruin.—Egypt. Jeroboam had returned thither, and at his return brought about a division of the kingdom. 3 Kennicott. 11:40. Osee, the last king, applied to Sua, and this provoked the Assyrians to destroy the kingdom. They pretended that it was tributary to them, after Phul had been invited to assist Manahem for a thousand talents. 4 Kennicott. 15:19 and 17:4. Thus was a worldly policy confounded.