Charles Ellicott Commentary Hosea 7:12

"When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the birds of the heavens; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard." — Hosea 7:12 (ASV)

When they shall go.— Best rendered, Whenever they go, etc. The ultimate ruin produced by this policy of dependence on foreign states and of double-dealing intrigue was even at this early stage foreseen by the prophet, and portrayed under the simile of Jehovah’s net snaring the unwary bird.

As their congregation hath heard.— Should be, according to the report to their assembly — i.e., according to what they hear, perhaps from Hosea himself. The threatenings of the Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:14–39; Deuteronomy 28:13–68; Deuteronomy 32:15–35) find their echoes here.