Hos 4:18 | JFB | STEP | 18. Their drink is sour —metaphor for utter degeneracy of principle ( ). Or, unbridled licentiousness; not mere ordinary sin, but as abandoned as drunkards who vomit and smell sour with wine potations [CALVIN ]. MAURER not so well translates, "When their drinking is over, they commit whoredoms," namely, in honor of Astarte ( ). her rulers —Israel's; literally, "shields" (compare ). with shame . . . love, Give ye — ( ). No remedy could be effectual against their corruptions since the very rulers sold justice for gifts [CALVIN ]. MAURER translates, "The rulers are marvelously enamored of shame." English Version is better.

Hosea 4:18

18. Their drink is sour—metaphor for utter degeneracy of principle (Isa 1:22). Or, unbridled licentiousness; not mere ordinary sin, but as abandoned as drunkards who vomit and smell sour with wine potations [CALVIN]. MAURER not so well translates, "When their drinking is over, they commit whoredoms," namely, in honor of Astarte (Ho 4:13, 14).

her rulers—Israel's; literally, "shields" (compare Ps 47:9).

with shame . . . love, Give ye— (Pr 30:15). No remedy could be effectual against their corruptions since the very rulers sold justice for gifts [CALVIN]. MAURER translates, "The rulers are marvelously enamored of shame." English Version is better.