Bible Strands
Hosea 7:11
So Ephraim has become like a silly, senseless dove—calling out to Egypt, then turning to Assyria.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet Hosea addresses the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of political instability and spiritual rebellion. He confronts them as they pursue foreign alliances instead of repenting to God.
The words — The Hebrew phrase פוֹתָה אֵין לֵב (fo.Tah ein lev) literally means "silly, there is no heart," describing a dove without understanding or direction. This phrase captures the creature's erratic flight pattern as it searches for shelter.
The thread — The motif of seeking Egypt and Assyria appears in Hosea 5:13 and Hosea 12:1, where political maneuvering replaces reliance on God. Jeremiah 2:18 similarly questions the value of drinking from the Nile or pursuing Assyria.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that political maneuvering is spiritually empty and leads to self-destruction. Readers must abandon reliance on foreign powers and return to God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.
Cross-references
- Hosea 5:13 When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound.
- Hosea 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.
- Jeremiah 2:18 Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates?
- Hosea 4:11 to promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which take away understanding.
- Hosea 11:11 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD.
- Proverbs 6:32 He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
- Hosea 9:3 They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria.
- 2 Kings 15:19 Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom.
- 2 Kings 17:3 Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute.
- Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.