Hosea 7:1-16

7:1-2 | God longed to heal Israel (also referred to here as Ephraim and Samaria, the capital city), but she continued to sin and did not remember that her wicked deeds were before His face (Ezek. 8:12). The omniscient God is aware of everything that people do.

7:6-7 | Even the kings and princes in Israel were wicked, with hearts that burned like an oven for more power. This likely refers to the assassination of four Israelite kings during Hosea’s life (2 Kgs. 15:8-26).

7:15-16 | God had disciplined (trained) and strengthened Israel’s arms, yet the people still trusted idols (Ezek. 30:24-25). The military language here probably alludes to the victories the Lord had given His people in battle (2 Kgs. 14:25-28).