Hosea 8:3

Israel] Hosea answers their appeal by saying that the name is worthless without the character which God requires.

4. In the constant changes of dynasty there was no thought for the religious character of the king, nor counsel asked of God's prophets. Revolution and idolatry had all along been the besetting sin of Israel.

That.. off] Had self-destruction been their object, they could not have achieved it more effectually.