Matthew Henry Commentary Hosea 4:6-11

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children. As they were multiplied, so they sinned against me: I will change their glory into shame. They feed on the sin of my people, and set their heart on their iniquity. And it shall be, like people, like priest; and I will punish them for their ways, and will requite them their doings. And they shall eat, and not have enough; they shall play the harlot, and shall not increase; because they have left off taking heed to Jehovah. Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the understanding." — Hosea 4:6-11 (ASV)

Both priests and people rejected knowledge, so God will justly reject them. They forgot the law of God. They neither desired nor endeavored to retain it in mind and to transmit its memory to their posterity. Therefore, God will justly forget them and their children. If we dishonor God with that which is our honor, it will, sooner or later, be turned into shame for us.

The sacrifices showed what an offense sin was to God, as they required atonement. However, instead of using this understanding to warn the people against sin, the priests encouraged them to sin, since atonement could be made at such a small cost. It is very wicked to be pleased with the sins of others because they may turn to our advantage.

What is unlawfully gained cannot be used with true comfort. The people and the priests hardened one another in sin; therefore, they shall justly share in the punishment. Sharers in sin must expect to share in ruin. Any lust harbored in the heart will, in time, consume all its strength and vigor.

That is the reason why many who profess faith become so heavy, so dull, so dead in their religious life. They have a liking for some secret lust, which draws their hearts away.