Hosea 9:3
They shall not dwell in the LORD’s land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria. They shall not dwell in the LORD’s land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.
Hosea 9:3 stands among Hosea's warnings and appeals addressed to God's people in their backsliding. They had mingled themselves with other peoples, departing from their distinct standing before God. They had also disregarded the prophets and the visions that God had sent for their guidance and correction.
In this setting the verse foretells the coming captivity of the tribes. The people would no longer remain in the land belonging to the Lord, but Ephraim would go back to Egypt and eat defiled food in Assyria. The prophecy at the same time cautions them against seeking an alliance with Egypt as a refuge from the judgment approaching them.