Hos 4:18 | JFB | STEP | 18. Their drink is sour-- metaphor for utter degeneracy of principle ( ). Or, unbridled licentiousness; not mere ordinary sin, but as abandoned as drunkards who vomit and smell sour with wine potations [Calvin]. Maurer not so well translates, "When their drinking is over, they commit whoredoms," namely, in honor of Astarte ( , ). her rulers-- Israel's; literally, "shields" (compare ). with shame ... love, Give ye-- ( ). No remedy could be effectual against their corruptions since the very rulers sold justice for gifts [Calvin]. Maurer translates, "The rulers are marvelously enamored of shame." English Version is better.

‏ Hosea 4:18

18. Their drink is sour--metaphor for utter degeneracy of principle (Is 1:22). Or, unbridled licentiousness; not mere ordinary sin, but as abandoned as drunkards who vomit and smell sour with wine potations [Calvin]. Maurer not so well translates, "When their drinking is over, they commit whoredoms," namely, in honor of Astarte (Ho 4:13, 14).

her rulers--Israel's; literally, "shields" (compare Psa 47:9).

with shame ... love, Give ye--(Pr 30:15). No remedy could be effectual against their corruptions since the very rulers sold justice for gifts [Calvin]. Maurer translates, "The rulers are marvelously enamored of shame." English Version is better.