Hos 4:17 | JFB | STEP | 17. Ephraim —the ten tribes. Judah was at this time not so given to idolatry as afterwards. joined to —closely and voluntarily; identifying themselves with them as a whoremonger becomes one flesh with the harlot ( ). idols —The Hebrew means also "sorrows," "pains," implying the pain which idolatry brings on its votaries. let him alone —Leave him to himself. Let him reap the fruits of his own perverse choice; his case is desperate; say nothing to him (compare ). Here shows the address is to Judah, to avoid the contagion of Israel's bad example. He is bent on his own ruin; leave him to his fate, lest, instead of saving him, thou fall thyself ( ).

Hosea 4:17

17. Ephraim—the ten tribes. Judah was at this time not so given to idolatry as afterwards.

joined to—closely and voluntarily; identifying themselves with them as a whoremonger becomes one flesh with the harlot (Nu 25:3; 1Co 6:16, 17).

idols—The Hebrew means also "sorrows," "pains," implying the pain which idolatry brings on its votaries.

let him alone—Leave him to himself. Let him reap the fruits of his own perverse choice; his case is desperate; say nothing to him (compare Jer 7:16). Here Ho 4:15 shows the address is to Judah, to avoid the contagion of Israel's bad example. He is bent on his own ruin; leave him to his fate, lest, instead of saving him, thou fall thyself (Isa 48:20; Jer 50:8; 51:6, 45; 2Co 6:17).