Hosea 13:10

KJV

I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

KJV (with Strong's)

I will {H165} be thy king {H4428}: where {H645} is any other that may save {H3467} thee in all thy cities {H5892}? and thy judges {H8199} of whom thou saidst {H559}, Give {H5414} me a king {H4428} and princes {H8269}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, where is your king, to save you in all your cities? Where are your judges, of whom you said, 'Give me a king and leaders'?

Berean Standard Bible

Where is your king now to save you in all your cities, and the rulers to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”?

American Standard Version

Where now is thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges, of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:10 powerfully declares God's unwavering sovereignty and exclusive claim as Israel's true King and only deliverer, simultaneously exposing the profound folly and spiritual rebellion of the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim). Through a sharp rhetorical challenge, the Lord confronts their historical and ongoing rejection of His divine rule, highlighting the utter futility of their chosen human kings and princes to provide salvation or protection in the face of impending divine judgment. The verse serves as a stark reminder that true security and deliverance are found solely in dependence upon God, not in earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 13 is situated within the latter part of the book, where the prophet's tone shifts from lament and plea to a more direct pronouncement of judgment against Israel (Ephraim) for their persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and reliance on foreign alliances. Chapters 11 and 12 recount God's tender, fatherly love for Israel and their consistent rebellion, likening them to a stubborn heifer. Chapter 13 specifically details the consequences of their sin, particularly their worship of Baal and their misplaced trust. Verse 10 directly follows a declaration of God's destructive judgment (Hosea 13:7-9), setting the stage for God to underscore the impotence of their human leadership in the face of His wrath, contrasting it with His own rejected sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom, a period marked by extreme political instability, rapid succession of kings (many assassinated), and a deep spiritual decline. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant regional power, threatening Israel's very existence, culminating in its conquest in 722 BC. Culturally, Israel had adopted many Canaanite practices, including Baal worship, and sought security through treaties with foreign nations like Assyria and Egypt, rather than relying on their covenant God. This verse specifically harks back to Israel's initial demand for a human king, as recorded in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), a pivotal moment where they rejected God's direct rule through judges, preferring to be "like all the nations."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Exclusive Deliverance**, asserting that Yahweh alone is King and Savior, capable of delivering His people from any threat. The rhetorical question challenges Israel to find any other source of salvation, echoing themes found in [Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - God as the Only Savior"). Second, it highlights **Israel's Rejection of God's Rule**, specifically referencing their historical demand for a king, which God viewed as a rejection of Himself ([1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's View of Israel's Rejection")). Their preference for human leadership over divine guidance led them down a path of destruction. Finally, the verse warns against the **Folly of Human Reliance**, demonstrating that earthly power, whether kings, armies, or alliances, is utterly inadequate to save in the face of divine judgment, a truth also articulated in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - The Futility of Earthly Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root meaning "to rule," this word denotes a monarch, sovereign, or ruler. In Hosea 13:10, it is used twice: first, God declares Himself as Israel's rightful "king," asserting His supreme authority and covenant relationship. Second, it refers to the earthly "king" Israel demanded and put their trust in, highlighting the contrast between divine and human rule and Israel's misplaced allegiance.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." Its broad semantic range includes physical deliverance, rescue from enemies or distress, and bringing salvation. In this context, God challenges Israel to identify any human king or power capable of providing the comprehensive and ultimate deliverance that only He, as the true King, can offer.
* **saidst (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to include speaking, declaring, appointing, commanding, or demanding. Here, it specifically references Israel's historical and persistent demand for a human king and princes, a pivotal moment of rejection of God's direct rule and a demonstration of their desire to conform to the surrounding nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will be thy king:"** This opening declaration is a powerful assertion of God's enduring covenant relationship and His rightful, inherent sovereignty over Israel. Despite their rebellion, God reminds them of His divine prerogative and His intention to rule over them, implying both His protective care and His ultimate authority to judge. It sets the stage for the rhetorical challenge that follows.
* **"where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities?"** This is a profound rhetorical question, designed to expose the utter impotence of any alternative source of salvation or security. God challenges Israel to look to their fortified cities, their human rulers, or their alliances, and consider if any of these could truly deliver them from the impending Assyrian threat or, more fundamentally, from divine judgment. The implied answer is a resounding "nowhere," underscoring God's unique and exclusive power to save.
* **"and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes?"** This clause serves as a historical indictment, directly referencing Israel's foundational act of rebellion recorded in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"). God reminds them of the time they rejected His direct rule through judges, demanding a human monarchy "like all the nations." The mention of "judges" emphasizes the divinely ordained system they spurned, and "king and princes" highlights the human hierarchy they preferred, which ultimately led them away from their true divine Protector and towards their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful point: no human king or earthly power can provide true salvation or protection against God's judgment. It compels the audience to confront the futility of their misplaced trust. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as God, the true King and only Savior, highlights Israel's demand for human kings who are utterly incapable of saving them. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between God's "I will be thy king" and the human kings Israel desired, emphasizing the qualitative difference between divine, omnipotent rule and fallible, impotent human leadership. Finally, the verse contains an **Allusion** to the historical narrative of Israel's demand for a king in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), drawing on their shared history to underscore their long-standing pattern of rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:10 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the exclusive nature of true salvation. It asserts that God alone is the legitimate and effective King and Savior, challenging any notion that human institutions or leaders can ultimately deliver from the consequences of sin or divine judgment. Israel's demand for a king was not merely a political preference but a spiritual rejection of God's direct rule, revealing a deeper lack of trust and a desire to conform to the world rather than rely on their covenant Lord. This verse serves as a timeless warning against idolatry in all its forms, whether it be the worship of material wealth, political power, or human wisdom, reminding us that placing ultimate trust in anything other than God inevitably leads to disappointment and destruction.

* [Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - God as the Only Savior")
* [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Perspective on Israel's Rejection")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - The Futility of Earthly Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 13:10 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, prompting us to critically examine where our ultimate trust and hope truly lie. In a world that often places immense faith in political systems, economic stability, scientific advancement, or charismatic leaders, this verse challenges us to remember that only God possesses the power to truly save, deliver, and provide ultimate security. It calls us to a posture of radical dependence on Him, reminding us that any attempt to find salvation or stability apart from His sovereign rule is ultimately futile. We are invited to repent of any "kings and princes" we have elevated in our own lives—be they careers, relationships, possessions, or personal achievements—and to reaffirm God as our sole King and Savior, trusting in His unfailing power and wisdom above all else. This reorientation brings true peace and freedom, knowing that our ultimate well-being rests securely in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and hope for security and deliverance in my life?**
* **In what ways might I be rejecting God's sovereign rule in favor of human systems or my own abilities?**
* **How does recognizing God as my exclusive King and Savior change my perspective on challenges and uncertainties?**

### FAQ

**What was Israel's "mistake" in demanding a king, according to this verse?**

Answer: According to Hosea 13:10, Israel's mistake was not merely a political one, but a profound spiritual rebellion. By demanding a king and princes, they were, in essence, rejecting God's direct rule over them through judges. This act, first recorded in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's View of Israel's Rejection"), was seen by God as a rejection of Himself as their true King and Savior. They sought to be "like all the nations," placing their trust in human leadership and earthly systems rather than in the unique covenant relationship they had with Yahweh, who alone could truly save them.

**Why does God use such a strong rhetorical question ("where [is any other] that may save thee?")?**

Answer: God uses this strong rhetorical question to expose the utter futility and impotence of any human or earthly power to provide true salvation or deliverance in the face of divine judgment. It's a challenge to Israel to look at their chosen kings, their fortified cities, and their foreign alliances, and recognize that none of these can ultimately save them from the consequences of their sin. The question underscores God's exclusive claim as the only true King and Savior, highlighting that any trust placed elsewhere is misplaced and will inevitably lead to destruction, as seen in the impending Assyrian conquest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 13:10, with its stark declaration of God as the true King and the futility of human kings to save, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel's demand for an earthly king, a rejection of God's direct rule, foreshadows humanity's ongoing tendency to seek salvation and security in worldly systems and leaders rather than in the divine. Jesus, however, enters history not as a king of earthly armies or political power, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the very embodiment of God's saving power. He is the true King, not just of Israel, but of all creation, whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). While earthly kings and princes prove utterly incapable of saving their people from ultimate judgment, Jesus, through His atoning death and resurrection, offers eternal salvation and deliverance from sin and death ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the one whom God has "made both Lord and Christ" ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")), the only one who can truly save us "in all our cities" and from all our spiritual enemies, fulfilling God's declaration in Hosea that "I will be thy king."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

1 Samuel 8:5

And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

1 Samuel 8:6

But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

Hosea 10:3

For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?

Psalms 149:2

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

1 Samuel 8:19

Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

1 Samuel 8:20

That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.