הושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק ג׳

A direct and unavoidable connection exists between turning away from what is right and the disaster that inevitably follows. The Israelites completely abandoned their foundation [מצודת ציון], leaving behind what was truly good. There are different ways to understand the exact nature of the good they forsook. One perspective identifies this good directly with God Himself, recognizing that He is the absolute good and that no genuine good exists without Him [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. Another approach explains that the nation abandoned the path of goodness and the very things that were beneficial to them. This widespread decline affected all parts of the nation, as even the tribe of Judah followed the destructive ways of the ten tribes and turned their backs on God [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד].

As a direct result of this abandonment, an enemy will pursue Israel [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. The primary approach among commentators views this harsh reality as a declaration from the prophet or from God, making it clear that He will not listen to the people's cries because of their deep-rooted sins. However, a different reading suggests that this realization is actually part of the Israelites' own cry and confession. In this view, the people finally reach a moment of clarity and admit that the enemy hunting them down is not a random event. Rather, they recognize it as a deliberate and justified punishment from God for their choice to walk away from the good [מלבי״ם].