Albert Barnes Commentary Hosea 5:14

"For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will carry off, and there shall be none to deliver." — Hosea 5:14 (ASV)

For I will be to Ephraim as a lion - He who would in this way strengthen himself by outward help against God's chastisements challenges, as it were, the Almighty to a trial of strength. So then God, unwilling to abandon him to himself, changes His dealings; and He who had previously, in His judgments, seemed merely as a tender moth or a weak worm, now displays His irresistible power, represented by His creatures that most clearly display power. It may also be that the fiercer animal (literally, the roaring one) is associated with the name of Ephraim, and that of the younger lion—fierce and eager for prey, yet not full-grown—with the name of Judah.

I, I will tear - It is a fearful thing, to fall into the Hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31). The Assyrian was but the rod of God’s anger, and the staff, He says, in thine hand is His indignation (Isaiah 10:5).

Whatever is done, is done or overruled by God, who gives to the evildoer his power to act wickedly, while He Himself overrules these actions to achieve the purposes of His wisdom or justice. God, Himself would tear them apart by giving the Assyrians power to carry them away.

And since it was God who did it, there was no hope of escape. He who was faithful to His word would do it. There is great emphasis on the I, I.

God, not man, is the one who acts; He, the author of all good, would Himself be the cause of their evil. What hope then is there, when He, who is mercy, becomes the avenger?