In this chapter we have, I. A high charge drawn up against both Israel and Judah for their sins, which were the ground of God’s controversy with them, Hos. 12:1–2. Particularly the sin of fraud and injustice, which Ephraim is charged with , and justifies himself in, Hos. 12:8.

In these verses, I. Ephraim is convicted of folly, in staying himself upon Egypt and Assyria, when he was in straits : Ephraim feeds on wind, that is, feeds himself with vain hopes of assistance from man, when he is at variance with God; and, when he meets with disappointments, he still pursues the…

Here are intermixed, in these verses, I. Reproofs for sin. When God is coming forth to contend with a people, that he may demonstrate his own righteousness, he will demonstrate their unrighteousness.