Verse 1
an empty vine = a productive or luxurious vine. Hebrew a vine emptying or yielding its fruit. See notes on Judges 9:8-13 . Hebrew. gephen. Always feminine except here and 2 Kings 4:39 . Here because it refers to Israel: i.e. to the people.
fruit. Note the Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ) in the varying inflections of the words, "fruit", "multiply", and "good"; and the Figure of speech Synonymia in "altars" and "images"; all to increase the emphasis of the contrast. See note on Hosea 9:8 ("watchman").
unto himself = like himself: i.e. not for Me.
according to. Note the Figure of speech Anaphora ( App-6 ).
multitude . . . increased. The same word. images = pillars: i.e. 'Asherahs ( App-42 ). Hebrew. mazsebah = upright (erect) pillars.
Be the first to react on this!
