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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Hosea 4:17 - 4:17
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Ephraim - the ten tribes. Judah was at this time not so given to idolatry as afterwards.
joined to - closely and voluntarily; identifying themselves with them as a whoremonger becomes one flesh with the harlot (Num 25:3; 1Co 6:16, 1Co 6:17).
idols - The Hebrew means also “sorrows,” “pains,” implying the pain which idolatry brings on its votaries.
let him alone - Leave him to himself. Let him reap the fruits of his own perverse choice; his case is desperate; say nothing to him (compare Jer 7:16). Here Hos 4:15 shows the address is to Judah, to avoid the contagion of Israel’s bad example. He is bent on his own ruin; leave him to his fate, lest, instead of saving him, thou fall thyself (Isa 48:20; Jer 50:8; Jer 51:6, Jer 51:45; 2Co 6:17).