Was God justified in bringing charges against Israel in the prophecy of Hosea, e.g. Hosea 4:16-17; 7:8-9, 11; 10:1; 12:1, 8?

16 The Israelites are stubborn,
    like a stubborn heifer.
How then can the Lord pasture them
    like lambs in a meadow?
17 Ephraim is joined to idols;
    leave him alone!

12 [ae]1 Ephraim feeds on the wind;
    he pursues the east wind all day
    and multiplies lies and violence.
He makes a treaty with Assyria
    and sends olive oil to Egypt.
Hosea 12:1 In Hebrew texts 12:1-14 is numbered 12:2-15.

Hosea 4:16 - 17

ESV - ¹⁶ Like a stubborn heifer, Israel is stubborn; can the Lord now feed them like a lamb in a broad pasture? ¹⁷ Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked September 13 2019 • Jack Gutknecht