Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 12:1

1 EPhraim feedeth on wind , and followeth after the east-wind : he daily increaseth lies and desolation , and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians , and oyl is carried into Egypt .

It is a proverbial speech denoting the self-flattery of Ephraim, his supporting himself with hopes as unfit to sustain him, as the Wind is to feed the body and nourish it, in his Religious pretensions he did, hypocrite like, compass God with lies, and now in his civil concerns he compasseth himself with lies.

In those Countreys the East winds were most vehement, dangerous and blasting, Psal. 48.7. Ionas 4.8. a very apt Emblem to represent the self-destroying course which Ephraim took, which though yet he will not believe, shall ere long scorch, blast, rend and tear him as the tempestuous East-winds do the weaker and unfenced plants.

By making new leagues, and fortifying himself with them against the menaces of God by his Prophets, he increaseth Friendships, but all of them will prove lies to him at last like the wind he feeds on. The like you have chap. 10.13. and Isa. 57.9, 13.

This is worse than meerly to be disappointed by a lie, as before the East-wind was hurtful and did him mischief, so here his purchased friendships shall hasten and increase his desolation. The League made with Sua or So King of Egypt, was accounted a conspiracy in Hoshea, and this brought Salmaneser upon Israel which war ended in Israel's ruin, and final desolation.

With purpose to defeat the threats of God, and to secure themselves in their courses. Thus they sinfully confederate as before, chap. 5.13. and 7.11. and 8.9. they forsake Gods Covenant and trust not him, but make a Covenant with Enemies and trust them.

Not common oyl for trade, but rich and precious oyles, presents and price to procure friendship there too, though forbidden, Isa. 30.2, 6. & 31.1.