Final answer:
Hosea 4:16 compares Israel to a stubborn calf, symbolizing the nation's rebellious spirit and resistance to guidance, similar to an unmanageable animal.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Hosea 4:16, Israel is likened to a stubborn calf. This metaphor illustrates the nation's rebellious and intractable nature, resistant to guidance and correction. The scripture is using an animal comparison to express the spiritual waywardness of the people, drawing on the familiar understanding of how a calf might behave when not under control.