The answer is: Ephraim

Hos 7:8,11; 10:11

In the book of Hosea, the imagery used to describe Ephraim is quite vivid and telling. When you think of a “cake not turned,” it invokes an image of something that is burned on one side while remaining raw on the other. It's a perfect metaphor for the moral and spiritual state of Ephraim—half-baked, misguided, and not entirely contributing to a right path.

Notably, in the verses mentioned, Ephraim is also called a “silly dove.” Doves are often symbols of peace, but here, this depiction suggests they flutter about in confusion and folly, lacking insight in the way they're flitting from one thing to another in their loyalty and allegiance. This metaphor underscores a deeper societal issue—Ephraim chasing after foreign alliances instead of relying on their bond with their founder, Yahweh.

Lastly, the image of a “trained heifer”—beautiful and strong when led properly, but in need of guiding. This portrays Ephraim as a capable people, endowed with potential, but grown stubborn and defiant, choosing paths of rebellion and straying from directions that would lead them towards fruitful fellowship.

Interesting to note, symbols like doves appear throughout the scriptures—think of the dove that brought back an olive branch to Noah, symbolizing peace, which adds a layer of richness to study how a symbol can shift in meaning based on context! Ephraim’s struggle is a timeless reminder; potential only shines through when it is nurtured wisely.