They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.
They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings - i:e., for the sacrifices which they offer to me. The Hebrew is, 'the sacrifices of my gifts, gifts' х habªhaabay (H1890)], as though they thought they were always giving (Pusey).
And eat it. Their own carnal gratification is the object which they seek, not my honor. Therefore God regards their sacrifices as mere ordinary "flesh," not a true sacrifice.
But the Lord accepteth them not: now will he remember their iniquity - "now," i:e., speedily; or now, at the very time of their offering sacrifices for "iniquity," I will show, by punishing them, that I still "remember their iniquity," and that therefore their sacrifice is vain.
They shall return to Egypt - (Hosea 9:3; Hosea 9:6; Hosea 11:11). The same threat as in Deuteronomy 28:68. They fled there to escape from the Assyrians, when thee latter had overthrown their nation (cf. as to Judah, the leading of the Jewish remnant into Egypt by Johanan, against the will of God, after the overthrow of Jerusalem, Jeremiah 42:1-22; Jeremiah 43:1-13; Jeremiah 44:1-30.) But see the note, Hosea 9:3. Thus it will mean, my covenant of deliverance shall be cancelled; they shall again be in bondage like that in Egypt of old.