Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.
Study Helps
Interpretation
The people consulted images, and not the Divine word. This would lead to disorder and sin.
Read with
This thought runs through Hosea 4:15-19.
Glossary
- Beth-aven Place
- House of nothingness; i. e., “of idols”, a place in the mountains of Benjamin, east of Bethel ( Josh. 7:2 ; 18:12 ; 1 Sam. 13:5 ). In Hos. 4:15 ; 5:8 ; 10:5 it stands for “Bethel”. Modern identification: Beitin.
- Gilgal Place
- Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Khirbet el Mefjir.