Hos 4:17-19 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 17 Ephraim - The ten tribes. Is joined to idols - Is become incorporated with false gods. Let him alone - They are irreclaimable, leave them to the consequences of their vicious conduct.

Hosea 4:17-19

Verse 17

Ephraim - The ten tribes.

Is joined to idols - Is become incorporated with false gods.

Let him alone - They are irreclaimable, leave them to the consequences of their vicious conduct. Verse 18

Their drink is sour - Or rather, he is gone after their wine. The enticements of idolatry have carried them away.

Her rulers with shame do love - Rather, have loved shame; they glory in their abominations.

Give ye - Perhaps it would be better to read, Her rulers have committed, etc. They have loved gifts. What a shame! These were their rulers, literally, their shields. Justice and judgment were perverted. Verse 19

The wind hath bound her - A parching wind has blasted them in their wings - coasts, borders; or they are carried away into captivity, as with the most rapid blight. These two last verses are very obscure.