Hosea 6:4–6 (ESV)

4 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away.

A literally alarming message from God’s part precedes this passage of Hosea 6:4–6. There will be a judgment on all of Israel (both the northern and southern kingdoms). Hosea also has to say that it is pointless to seek help from the mighty nations of the day. If God wants to punish, no one can stop him.