“Though you, Israel, play the prostitute, yet don’t let Judah offend; and don’t come to Gilgal, neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear, ‘As the LORD lives.’
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Offend. It was more culpable for Juda to commit idolatry (as they had the temple, and so forth of the true God) than for Israel, whom Jeroboam hindered from going to Jerusalem, after he had set up his golden calves. Worthington.—Galgal and Bethaven. Places where idols were worshipped. Bethel, which signifies the house of God, is called by the prophet Bethaven, that is the house of vanity, from Jeroboam’s golden calf which was worshipped there. Challoner.—Galgal was on the confines of the two kingdoms, and always venerated by the Jews. Idols had been there in ancient times, and probably a sort of oracle. Judges 3:19. If Israel be thus abandoned, let not Juda imitate them. Calmet.—Lord. Profane not this sacred name by giving it to idols. Theod.—Use not this expression, since you do not worship me. Saint Jerome