Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
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 (Joshua 5:10-15; I Samuel 10:8; I Samuel 15:21); afterwards desecrated by idol-worship (Hosea 9:15; 12-11; Amos 4:4; Amos 5:5; compare Judges 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 (Genesis 28:17, Genesis 28:19; Genesis 35:7), but made by Jeroboam the seat of the worship of the calves (I Kings 12:28-33; I Kings 13:1; Jeremiah 48:13; Amos 3:14; Amos 7:13). "Go up" refers to the fact that Beth-el was on a hill (Joshua 16:1).
nor swear, The Lord liveth—This formula of oath was appointed by God Himself (Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 10:20; Jeremiah 4:2). It is therefore here forbidden not absolutely, but in conjunction with idolatry and falsehood (Isaiah 48:1; Ezekiel 20:39; Zephaniah 1:5).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Hosea 4:15:
Joshua 7:2
Hosea 4:17
Hosea 5:5
Hosea 5:8
Hosea 9:15
Hosea 10:5
Hosea 12:11
Amos 4:4
Amos 5:5
Amos 8:14
Zephaniah 1:5
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