In the harlots' houses - In places consecrated to idolatry. In the language of the prophets, adultery generally signifies idolatry. This we have often seen.
Rather, Why, “for what reason” should “I pardon thee?”
When - Or, “though I bound them to me by oath, yet they committed adultery.”
The harlots‘ houses - The harlot‘s house, i. e., the temple of an idol; the prophet had also in view (see Jeremiah 5:8) the unchastity which accompanied most forms of nature-worship.