Charles Ellicott Commentary Hosea 12:1

"Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he continually multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt." — Hosea 12:1 (ASV)

East wind. — Compare Isaiah 27:8 and Job 27:21. On the latter passage Wetzstein remarks: "This wind is more frequent in winter and early spring, when, if it continues long, the tender vegetation is parched up, and a year of famine follows. Both man and beast feel sickly while it prevails." Hence, what is unpleasant and revolting in life is compared by people of the East to the east wind.

The idea expressed by the east wind here is the same as in Job 15:2, combining the notions of destructiveness and emptiness. The covenant with Assyria refers to the events of the reign of Hoshea. Covenants with Assyria, and presents to Egypt were to Hosea curses in disguise. (See Note on Hosea 7:11.)