Hos 8:4, 11 | JFB | STEP | 4. kings . . . not by me —not with My sanction ( ). Israel set up Jeroboam and his successors, whereas God had appointed the house of David as the rightful kings of the whole nation. I knew it not —I approved it not ( ). of . . . gold . . . idols — ( ). that they may be cut off —that is, though warned of the consequences of idolatry, as it were with open eyes they rushed on their own destruction. So .

Hosea 8:4

4. kings . . . not by me—not with My sanction (1Ki 11:31; 12:20). Israel set up Jeroboam and his successors, whereas God had appointed the house of David as the rightful kings of the whole nation.

I knew it not—I approved it not (Ps 1:6).

of . . . gold . . . idols— (Ho 2:8; 13:2).

that they may be cut off—that is, though warned of the consequences of idolatry, as it were with open eyes they rushed on their own destruction. So Jer 27:10, 15; 44:8.

Hosea 8:11

11. God in righteous retribution gives them up to their own way; the sin becomes its own punishment (Pr 1:31).

many altars—in opposition to God's law (De 12:5, 6, 13, 14).

to sin . . . to sin—Their altars which were "sin" (whatever religious intentions they might plead) should be treated as such, and be the source of their punishment (1Ki 12:30; 13:34).