Hosea 5:7

Why Jehovah has withdrawn himself, dealt treacherously i.e. faithlessly. The word is used of an adulteress, Jeremiah 3:20.

they have begotten strange children The subject of the verb are the Israelites individually, of whom the same statement is made which we have already met with respecting the nation in Hosea 2:4-5.

now shall a month devour them The time for punishment has arrived. Instead of watching gladly for the new moon to fix the various hallowed festivals (comp. Hosea 2:11), they should have a -fearful looking for of judgment" increasing as each new moon arose. If not this, then perhaps the next would bring with it a slaughtering, plundering horde of invaders. -Month" should rather be new moon (as nothing is added to qualify the sense).

with their portions i.e. the lands assigned to the several tribes and families (comp. -the portion of Jezreel," 2 Kings 9:10).