Hosea 4:11

Heart] here probably as the seat of 'the understanding' (RV).

12. Cp. Jer 11:27. Idols were frequently made out of stumps and stems of trees, and were not only worshipped, but sometimes used for oracular purposes. Such a thing proved how senseless the people had become.

Whoredom is here faithlessness to Jehovah; but as such rites as those referred to were characterised by gross licentiousness, the metaphor is especially appropriate.

13. The summits of hills were the most frequent situations for sanctuaries in primitive times; hence the 'high places.' Elms] RV 'terebinths.' Trees were often connected with sacred rites: cp. Isaiah 1:29; Isaiah 57:5. Therefore] Such faithlessness towards Jehovah would be punished by the faithlessness of their daughters.