Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 5:11

11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment : because he willingly walked after the commandment .

The Subjects of the Kingdom of Israel, the Ten Tribes, the Prophet resumeth his Threat against them.

Supposing, as well we may, that this Prophecy respecteth Ahaz his time; it will appear that Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah's Reigns were past, which were unjust, Seditious, Bloudy, and Tyrannical times in which oppressions abounded; and of which our Prophet now speaketh. The Ten Tribes are by Seditions, Civil Wars, and Bloudy Conspiracies eaten up already almost. But to those God will add his displeasure, and the Assyrians shall be the Executioners, and shall oppress Ephraim.

i. e. Through fear of the partiality of the Judge, though his cause be equal and just, yet Money, or Moneys-worth is extorted, to prevent an unjust, or to procure a just Sentence; a known course in such dayes as these the Prophet lived in, or as the dayes of Marius and Sylla.

Epharim spoken of as if one person perhaps to intimate the universal defection.

It was not a force upon them, they did willingly. Though there was a Law commanding, yet there was in the people a forwardness, and too great a readiness to comply and obey that Law which made Idolatry the Establishment in the Ten Tribes.

To forbear going to the Temple, and to worship the Calves at Dan and Bethel, as Ieroboam son of Nebat required.