Hosea 4:1-3

1-3. The moral corruption in everyday life.

Hear The prophet solemnly summons Israel to listen to the accusation he brings in the name of Jehovah.

Jehovah hath a controversy Jehovah is both plaintiff and judge (Isaiah 1:2; compare Hosea 12:2; Micah 6:2). He is proceeding against the people because their life and conduct are contrary to his will. All virtue and godliness have disappeared.

Truth Truthfulness and fidelity in their transactions. The lack of it is due to the want of mercy [“goodness”] The same word is translated in Hosea 2:19, “loving-kindness”; it is used here in the same sense as there (see on Hosea 2:19). The lack of love in turn is due to the absence of the knowledge of God See on Hosea 2:20 (compare Hosea 4:6; Hosea 5:4; Hosea 6:3, etc.). Note that Hosea does not say Jehovah; truthfulness and kindness are universally recognized virtues, not confined to the worshipers of Jehovah. Hosea 4:2 shows what is found in Israel in the place of virtue.

By swearing Better, with R.V., “There is naught but swearing.”

Lying R.V., “Breaking faith” The two expressions are closely connected, oaths are taken lightly and broken easily; the two combined are almost equivalent to false swearing or perjury (Hosea 10:4), the opposite of truthfulness (Hosea 4:1). Perjury, murder, theft, and adultery, all caused by the absence of lovingkindness (Hosea 4:1), are common; the ninth, sixth, eighth, and seventh commandments are thus broken.

They break out Into acts of violence.

Blood Bloody, violent deeds ( G.-K. 124n) toucheth blood One bloody deed follows closely upon another.