For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?
For the transgression of Jacob is all this - all these terrors attending Yahweh's coming are caused by the sins of Jacob or Israel - i:e., the whole people. What is the transgression of Jacob? Taking up the question, often in the mouths of the people when reproved, 'What is our transgression?' (cf. Malachi 1:6-7, "O priests that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread ... and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee?") He answers,
Is it not Samaria? The Hebrew is literally, Who is the transgression of Jacob? - i:e., Who is its cause? х miy (H4310)] Is not that city (the seat of the calf-worship) the cause of Jacob's apostasy (1 Kings 14:16, "He shall give Israel up because the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin?" 1 Kings 15:26; 1 Kings 15:34; 1 Kings 16:13; 1 Kings 16:19; 1 Kings 16:25, "Omri (the builder of Samaria) wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him;" 1 Kings 16:30).
And what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem? What city is the cause of the idolatries on the high places of Judah? is it not Jerusalem (cf. 2 Kings 18:4, "He (Hezekiah) removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves); Jerusalem had once been the center of Yahweh's worship; but Ahaz had polluted it with the cruel worship of Moloch, to whom he had dedicated his children by burning (in the valley of Hinnom), and had "made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:24).