Hos 4:6-11 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge - They have not the knowledge of God, nor of sacred things, nor of their own interest, nor of the danger to which they are exposed. They walk on blindly, and perish. Because thou hast rejected knowledge - So they might have become wise, had they not rejected the means of improvement. Thou shalt be no priest to me - If this be the true reading, there must be reference to some particular priest, well known, to whom these words are personally addressed; unless by priest the whole priesthood is meant, and then it may apply to the priests of Jeroboam's calves.

‏ Hosea 4:6-11

Verse 6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge - They have not the knowledge of God, nor of sacred things, nor of their own interest, nor of the danger to which they are exposed. They walk on blindly, and perish.

Because thou hast rejected knowledge - So they might have become wise, had they not rejected the means of improvement.

Thou shalt be no priest to me - If this be the true reading, there must be reference to some particular priest, well known, to whom these words are personally addressed; unless by priest the whole priesthood is meant, and then it may apply to the priests of Jeroboam's calves. Verse 7

Will I change their glory into shame - As the idolaters at Dan and Bethel have changed my glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass, (Rom 1:23), so will I change their glory into shame or ignominy. In the day of my wrath, their calf-gods shall not deliver them. Verse 8

They eat up the sin of my people - חטאת chattath, the sin-offering, though it be offered contrary to the law; for their hearts are set on iniquity, they wish to do whatever is contrary to God. Verse 9

Like people, like priest - "The priest a wanderer from the narrow way; The silly sheep, no wonder that they stray."

I will punish them - Both priest and people; both equally bad. Verse 10

They shall eat, and not have enough - Whatever means they may use to satisfy or gratify themselves shall be ineffectual. Verse 11

Whoredom and wine - These debaucheries go generally together.

Take away the heart - Darken the understanding, deprave the judgment, pervert the will, debase all the passions, etc.