9. Ephraim went to his ‘lovers.’ Like a stubborn donkey, they led him off to Assyria.
10. Yes, Israel was taken to the nations, but I will bring them back. But first, they must suffer a little by carrying the burden of that mighty king.
11. “Ephraim built more and more altars, and that was a sin. They have been altars of sin for Ephraim.
12. Even if I wrote 10,000 laws for Ephraim, he would treat them as if they were for some stranger.
13. The Israelites love sacrifices. They offer the meat and eat it. The Lord does not accept their sacrifices. He remembers their sins, and he will punish them. They will be carried away as prisoners to Egypt.