They lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge. In the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Altar. Herein they offended doubly, (Exodus 22:26) as they used the garments of others to hide their shameful actions. 4 Kennicott. 23:7. Calmet.—Septuagint “and tying up their garments with cords, they made veils touching the altar, and drank wine procured by calumnies,” ( Bible.) or “rapine,” and so forth Chal.—Condemned by them unjustly, though some think that a very delicious and intoxicating wine is meant, such as was given to people in grief. Proverbs 31:6. Mark 15:23. Helena learnt in Egypt how to compose such wine. Odys. iv.—Feasting in temples on carpets was an ancient custom.
The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).