Hos 4:15 | JFB | STEP | 15. 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 ( ; ; ); afterwards desecrated by idol-worship ( ; ; ; ; compare , 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 ( , ; ), but made by Jeroboam the seat of the worship of the calves (1Ki 12:28-33; 13:1; ; ; ). "Go up" refers to the fact that Beth-el was on a hill ( ). nor swear, The Lord liveth-- This formula of oath was appointed by God Himself ( ; ; ). It is therefore here forbidden not absolutely, but in conjunction with idolatry and falsehood ( ; ; ).

‏ Hosea 4:15

15. 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; 15:21); afterwards desecrated by idol-worship (Ho 9:15; 12:11; Am 4:4; 5:5; compare Jud 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 (Ge 28:17, 19; 35:7), but made by Jeroboam the seat of the worship of the calves (1Ki 12:28-33; 13:1; Jr 48:13; Am 3:14; 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 (De 6:13; 10:20; Jr 4:2). It is therefore here forbidden not absolutely, but in conjunction with idolatry and falsehood (Is 48:1; Eze 20:39; Zep 1:5).