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.
4 Que te ferai-je, Ephraïm? Que te ferai-je, Juda? Votre piété est comme la nuée du matin, Comme la rosée qui bientôt se dissipe.