Hosea 7:3-12

They make the king glad with their wickedness, And the princes with their lies. They are all adulterers; Like the heat of an oven When the baker ceases to stir the fire, [their passion smolders] From the kneading of the dough until it is leavened. On the [special] day of our king, the princes became sick with the heat of wine; The king stretched out his hand [in association] with scoffers (lawless people). As they approach their plotting, Their mind burns [with intrigue] like an oven [while they lie in wait]. Their anger smolders all night; In the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. They are all hot like an oven And they consume their judges (rulers); All their kings have fallen. There is no one among them who calls to Me. ¶Ephraim mixes himself with the [Gentile] nations [seeking favor with one country, then another]; Ephraim is a cake not turned [worthless; ready to be thrown away]. Strangers have devoured his strength, Yet he does not know it; Gray hairs are sprinkled on him, Yet he does not know. Though the pride of Israel testifies against him, Yet they do not return [in repentance] to the LORD their God, Nor seek nor search for nor desire Him [as essential] in spite of all this. Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without heart or good sense; They call to Egypt [for help], they go to Assyria. When they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the heavens [into Assyrian captivity]. I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation (prophecy) to their congregation. [Lev 26:14-39; Deut 28:15-68]

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