1 When I wanted to heal the nation of Israel, Ephraim's sins were discovered, and Samaria's wickedness was seen. They lie, and there are thieves are inside the houses, bands of robbers outside in the streets.
2 And they don't even think in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness. Now their own actions have surrounded them. They are obvious to Me.
Israel is choosing to believe that God won’t really remember or notice all the horrible things they have done. In other words, they don’t really believe He is there.
3 They make the king happy with their wickedness, and the princes are happy with their lies.
4 They are all adulterers, burning with lust just like an oven heated by the baker, who doesn't need to stoke the fire while he kneads and raises the dough.
5 On the king's holidays, the princes get him so drunk he gets sick. He joins hands with scorners.
Even the king, who is supposed to be an example of godliness, is sinning. Note, it is not the drinking the wine that is condemned, but the drunkenness and associations he chooses.
6 For their hearts smolder like an oven, while they lie in wait all night. In the morning they bust into flame.
The ovens of this day were fueled by wood fire. They had to be prepared a good deal ahead of time in order to use them. Israel had prepared their hearts to sin.
7 They are all hot as an oven, and have consumed their judges and kings. There is no one who calls to Me for help.
No one, not even the elite, have chosen to prepare their hearts to serve God or even ask for His help when they are in trouble.
8 The nation of Israel has gotten mixed up with other nations. He's like a slice of bread that's burned on one side and raw on the other.
If you don’t turn your bread in a wood fired oven, it will burn and be ruined. If you don’t pay attention to your walk with God, it will ruin.
9 Strangers have eaten up all his strength, and he doesn't even know it. Yes, he is getting old and feeble and doesn't realize it.
10 The Nation of Israel's arrogance condemns them, but they still won't return to the I AM their God. They won't even look for Him.
11 They are bird-brains! First they go to Egypt for help, then turn around and go to Assyria.
Israel sent to both Egypt and Assyria for help against each other. She hoped they would fight each other and leave Israel alone, a rather dumb philosophy when you live in the middle of the most direct route between the two nations. Where else would they hold their battles?
12 Like a hunter throws a net over a flock of birds taking flight, I will cast my net over them. I will punish them, just like they have been told in the past.
God so wants them to repent, but He knows they won’t and He will punish them for their sins.
13 They are doomed! They ran away from Me, so they will be destroyed! Though I want so much to rescue them, they sin against Me and lie about Me!
Israel was not just neglectful or ignorant; they were down-right rebellious. They went out of their way to avoid God.
14 They won't cry out to Me. Instead they lay on their beds moaning and groaning. They gather together to beg their false idols for bread and wine, but keep rebelling against Me!
15 Even though I have taught them all they know and made them strong, they think I am evil.
Whether God brings prosperity or famine, Israel denies Him.
16 They look everywhere for help, except to Me! They are as useful as a crooked arrow. Their leaders will be killed in battle for their pride and annoyance against Me. They will be alughed at in Egypt.