How had the Israelites’ altars become “altars for sinning”? (Hosea 8:11–13)

11 “Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,
    these have become altars for sinning.
12 I wrote for them the many things of my law,
    but they regarded them as something foreign.
13 Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me,
    and though they eat the meat,
    the Lord is not pleased with them.
Now he will remember their wickedness
    and punish their sins:
    They will return to Egypt.

Hosea 8:11 - 13

ESV - ¹¹ Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, they have become to him altars for sinning. ¹² Were I to write for him my laws by the ten thousands, they would be regarded as a strange thing.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked September 11 2019 • Jack Gutknecht