Hosea 4:2

By swearing] RV 'There is nought but swearing.' Break out] commit acts of violence. Blood toucheth blood] The whole land is covered with the blood of the murdered, a strong expression to denote the frequency of murder: cp. Isaiah 28:8.

3. The whole land (with its animal and vegetable life) is polluted by their sin, and must share their punishment: cp. Jeremiah 4:23, etHosea

4. Thy people, etc.] The reading here seems corrupt. We should probably read, 'thy people are as they that strive with Me. O priest, thou shalt stumble,' etc., Hosea 4:5 being addressed to the priest.