Final answer:
Hosea 4:17 advises to 'let alone' Ephraim who is joined to idols, highlighting the severe consequence of persistent idolatry in the Hebrew Bible, reflected in other scriptural references.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Hosea 4:17, Ephraim is joined to idols and the text suggests that nothing should be done to try to separate them. The scripture states, "Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone." This directive indicates a point of no return wherein Ephraim has persistently chosen idolatry despite warnings, and therefore, divine judgment allows them to follow their own path.
This mirrors a common theme in the Hebrew Bible where idolatry is met with divine punishment, as exemplified by numerous passages such as the fall of people to sword, famine, and plague in Ezekiel 6:12-13, and the various outcomes of turning away from Yahweh in the historical accounts of figures like King Hezekiah and King Manasseh.