Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 7:11

11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove , without heart ; they call to Egypt , they go to Assyria .

Vid. ver. 8. let. t. and ver. 1. let. d.

A deceived dove seduced by false Prophets, and Idolatrous Priests, whose weak arguments are soon believed, and whose unseasonable advice is too soon followed: Ephraim is now become like the Dove in Weakness and Fear, as well as in Imprudence and liableness to be deceived.

This explains the former, whether heart here be judgment and discretion, as sometimes it is, or be resolution and courage as other while 'tis; This Dove, this Ephraim wants both.

They should in their perplexity call on God, who can help, but they do not, they call indeed, but not to their God, or to a Friend.

This Heshea did, 2 King. 17.4. and I remember not any mention of other application to Egypt since Iehu's time. It is probable Hosea a[illegible: 1 letter]ms at this Embassy. and private Confederacy of which, as of a thing in hand he speaketh. They do call to Egypt whose King is called so, and, judged to be Sabacon the Aethiopian, who had lately conquered Egypt: By this also may we ghess at the time of this Prophesie about some four years before Samaria was taken.

So did Menahem when on the Throne, so did Ho[illegible: 1 letter]hea, as is evident, 2 Kings. 15: 19, 20. with 2 Kings. 17.3. Thus both bewrayed the greatest Imprudence depending for help on professed, old inveterate Enemies. So silly were they! Vide chap. 5. ver. 13. and chap. 14. ver. 3.