Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 4:17

17 Ephraim is joyned to idols: let him alone .

The children of Ephraim were numerous and potent among the ten Tribes, a principal part of them, and out of which Tribe the first Idolater and Usurper did arise, 1 King. 11.26. and therefore the whole body of the ten Tribes, and the rulers among them are here particularly pointed at.

Associated as friends to friends, or joined as lovers are joined to lovers; Married to Idols, and will not be taken off.

He is indeed obstinately bent on his old courses, and as such throw him up, he will not return, let him wander, but let it be alone, O I[illegible: 1 letter] dah be not his Companion, his friend, go not with him.