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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Hosea 4:15 - 4:15
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Though Israel’s ten tribes indulge in spiritual harlotry, at least thou, Judah, who hast the legal priesthood, and the temple rites, and Jerusalem, do not follow her bad example.
Gilgal - situated between Jordan and Jericho on the confines of Samaria; once a holy place to Jehovah (Jos 5:10-15; 1Sa 10:8; 1Sa 15:21); afterwards desecrated by idol-worship (Hos 9:15; Hos 12:11; Amo 4:4; Amo 5:5; compare Jdg 3:19, Margin).
Beth-aven - that is, “house of vanity” or idols: a name substituted in contempt for Beth-el, “the house of God”; once sacred to Jehovah (Gen 28:17, Gen 28:19; Gen 35:7), but made by Jeroboam the seat of the worship of the calves (1Ki 12:28-33; 1Ki 13:1; Jer 48:13; Amo 3:14; Amo 7:13). “Go up” refers to the fact that Beth-el was on a hill (Jos 16:1).
nor swear, The Lord liveth - This formula of oath was appointed by God Himself (Deu 6:13; Deu 10:20; Jer 4:2). It is therefore here forbidden not absolutely, but in conjunction with idolatry and falsehood (Isa 48:1; Eze 20:39; Zep 1:5).