4:17a

Ephraim: Ephraim was one of the largest tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel. Here the name Ephraim is a figure of speech (synecdoche) that represents all the people of Israel. In some languages, it may be clearer to translate only the meaning and not keep the figure of speech. For example:

The Israelites have chosen to worship idols (New Century Version)

is joined to idols: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as joined to means to be allied with something or someone. Here it indicates that the people of Israel were allied with idols instead of the LORD.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Ephraim has made a pact with idols (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
The people of Ephraim have chosen to worship idols (God’s Word)

In some contexts, this verb can mean “to be charmed” or “to be put under a spell.” Some versions translate this idea. For example:

The people of Israel are under the spell of idols (Good News Translation)

However, this is probably not the meaning here.

4:17b

leave him alone: This clause means to allow the people of Israel to continue their worship of idols. The purpose of the clause is not to command a specific person to leave the people of Israel alone. Rather, it indicates that Israel’s situation is hopeless. Nothing can be done to stop the people of Israel from worshiping idols.

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