Hosea 5:7

Strange children] Some see here an allusion to intermarriage with the Canaanites: cp. Ezra 9:10. But it may be merely metaphorical. The result of their faithless union with heathen gods was a race of people who were not true Israelites, acknowledged and loved of Jehovah. A month] RV 'the new-moon.' The profanation of their festivals would be punished by the enemy destroying them and their land.

Portions] RV 'fields.'

8. With this begins what is probably a new prophecy. Hosea ironically bids the herald call the people to arms to defend themselves against an invading foe. Gibeah ('a hill') and Ramah ('a high place') would both be suitable spots for sounding an alarm. Bethaven] see on Hosea 4:15. After thee.. Benjamin] RV 'behind thee,' etc. From Judges 5:14 it is supposed that this was the battle cry of the Benjamites, used by the soldiers in following their leaders. It would have been a summons to the Benjamites to battle.

9. But such preparations would be quite useless. The judgment was surely coming.