The statement that Ephraim has encompassed the LORD with lies and the house of Israel with deceit indicates that Israel has surrounded God with falsehood, that the nation's entire posture toward God has been characterized by deception. The promise that Judah still rules with God and is faithful to the Holy One suggests that the southern kingdom has maintained better fidelity to covenant, though this claim may be ironic or contested. This verse concludes the chapter with the assertion that Ephraim is fundamentally deceptive while potentially suggesting that Judah retains some faithfulness.

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