let not Judah offend] God turneth his speech to Judah, willing them that by the example of Israel they doe not sinne, by whoredomes, in worshipping Idols. Gilgal] In this place, whereof see Joshua 5:9. there was some publike idolatry not mentioned in the history. See Hosea 9:15. &Hosea 12:12. Amos 4:4. Beth-aven] 1 Kings 12:29. It is the same as Bethel: but because Bethel signifies the house of God, Genesis 28:17. and that this place had been profaned by the idolatry of the calves; the Prophets do often call it Beth-aven: that is to say, the house of an idoll, or the house of vanity, Hosea 5:8. and Hosea 10:5. because that neer unto Bethel there was another high place called Beth-aven, Joshua 7:2. the LORD liveth] After the manner of idolaters, who pretended they did sweare by the true God, when they swore by these calves, Amos 8:14. for the ten tribes did professe that they worshipped God in them, imitating Aaron, Exodus 32:5. 2 Kings 10:16. which notwithstanding was reproved by God.