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They were a nation dependent on the blessing of the Lord in supplying the seasonal rains which the Lord had promised them. Agriculture was an important item in their lives. They had been promised an abundant supply of rain as long as they walked with the Lord. They were also aptly warned not to turn aside to idols. Following after other gods was a certain way to bring the wrath of the Lord upon them and cause the rains to cease.
Deut. 11:16-17 Is there a connection? According to a recent news release and the Jewish Virtual Library, modern day Israel has had a chronic water supply problem for years. It has now become so severe that it is feared that by summer there will not be enough to supply the demand. The quality of available water is also deteriorating. Agriculture has already been cut back due to the allocation of less water to the farms. They have suffered a drought for the last four years. The prayer of Solomon contains the answer to this problem. 1 Kings 8:33-36.
The acutest punishment was to come upon them. Hos. 8:7 The seed which they would sow would not germinate therefore there would be not stalk. If there was a stalk produced, then there would be no substance in the bud. To make matters worse, if they were able to produce crop of any meaningful measure then strangers, enemies would come and take the harvest for themselves. Here again, the Lord would display His great displeasure with them by not only destroying their crops but they would lose their freedom and be constantly under pressure. Duet. 28:33.
Israel (ten tribes) to be swallowed up, divide and scattered abroad. Spread out among the nations. The Gentiles will drive them from the land of their inheritance. They will be among the nations by whom they are carried away as a people disliked and unwelcome. Their captors or the people among whom they are driven find no pleasure in having Israel among them. Hos. 8:8 The Lord had proclaimed that they would become like a broken potters vessel. So completely destroyed that a small piece could not be found with which a spark of fire might be taken from the hearth. Isa. 30:14 Note that always before judgment, the Lord would send a message calling for repentance. He will always first manifest His great and abundant mercy. Isa. 30:15 They heard His message but would not respond to it. In being disobedient they paid the utmost price. Israel a nation which had been honored and looked to as a strong and mighty nation under God had now lost that respect and were despised among the nations to whom they fled. They were deprived of the very best of life and property.