Hosea 5 condemns the Jews for insistent idolatry and warns that judgement is approaching. He initially condemns the priests: “Hear this, you priests… judgement is against you… Ephraim turned to prostitution and Israel is corrupt… a spirit of prostitution is in their hearts… Israel’s arrogance testifies against them… they are unfaithful to the Lord… Ephraim will be laid waste… I will pour out my wrath on Judah… I will tear them to pieces… in their misery they will earnestly seek me”.
