They won't dwell in Yahweh's land; But Ephraim will return to Egypt, And they will eat unclean food in Assyria.
We do not believe, however, that the principal concern of commentators is that of determining what Hosea "probably thought."  Hosea was not delivering to mankind what he thought, but what God said, and this should always be kept in mind.  The true explanation of this dual reference to Egypt and Assyria lies in the figurative use of Egypt in Deuteronomy; and as God is the true author of both passages, it should be concluded that since the figurative use of Egypt in  Deuteronomy 28 is absolutely clear, the most reasonable conclusion is that the figurative use applies here also.  As Myers summed it up: