Definition: Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, [yet] let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 4:15. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage about faithfulness and covenant in the Old Testament. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning Israel to avoid certain behaviors that could jeopardize their relationship with God and their commitment to his promises. It’s saying, “Be careful; don't act in ways that will upset your relationship with me.” Let's break it down word by word: "Though thou, Israel..." : This refers specifically to the people of Israel – the nation they were a part of. "...play the harlot..." : This is the tricky part. The Hebrew word for "harlot" (often translated as “woman” or “lover”) carries a very strong and negative connotation. It means to be frivolous, boastful, restless, and obsessed with pleasure. In this context, it suggests they are acting in a way that’s not holy or obedient to God. Think of someone who's constantly looking for excitement and doesn’t prioritize God’s will. "...yet let not Judah offend..." : This is the key part – “Judah.” Judah was a significant branch of Israel, and it’s implied that they are also involved in this behavior. "...and come not ye unto Gilgal..." : Gilgal is a place in Jerusalem mentioned in the Old Testament. It's associated with a specific event involving a dispute or rebellion. The verse warns them not to go there . "...neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear..." : This reinforces the idea of avoiding conflict and potentially causing trouble. “Bethaven” refers to a place in Jerusalem where a significant event took place. The word "swear" is particularly important - it signifies an oath or commitment – and this verse suggests they are not taking oaths or commitments seriously. "...The LORD liveth." : This is the final, crucial instruction. It’s a command from God Himself. It means that God lives and watches over his people. Putting it all together: The verse warns Israel to avoid behavior that demonstrates restlessness, vanity, and a lack of reverence for God. They need to focus on righteous living, obedience, and faithfulness – things that please Him. Going to Gilgal and swearing are specifically forbidden because they’re seen as a threat to the covenant relationship between God and his people. What's the bigger picture? This whole passage is part of a larger theme in Hosea 4 – it's about a broken covenant between God and Israel, and the need for repentance and restoration. It speaks to the idea that even seemingly frivolous or pleasure-seeking behavior can have serious consequences for a relationship with God. It’s a call to turn away from things that are distracting and unproductive in the eyes of God. In essence, this verse is a warning against drifting away from God's will and focusing on fleeting pleasures when true faithfulness is required. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you an example of how this verse might be applied in the Bible?