Hosea 13:11

KJV

I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath.

KJV (with Strong's)

I gave {H5414} thee a king {H4428} in mine anger {H639}, and took {H3947} him away in my wrath {H5678}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I gave you a king in my anger; and in my fury I took him away.

Berean Standard Bible

So in My anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I took him away.

American Standard Version

I have given thee a king in mine anger, and have taken him away in my wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 13:11 powerfully encapsulates the tragic trajectory of Israel's monarchy, particularly the Northern Kingdom, revealing God's sovereign hand in both the establishment and removal of human leadership. This verse declares that God, in His righteous displeasure, conceded to Israel's demand for a king and subsequently removed that king and the subsequent line of unfaithful rulers in His just wrath, highlighting the profound consequences of rejecting divine rule in favor of human institutions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 13 is a chapter steeped in divine judgment against Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) for its persistent idolatry and spiritual rebellion. Following a lament over Israel's spiritual decline and a reminder of their past faithfulness (Hosea 13:1-3), the prophet details the nation's ingratitude and forgetfulness of God, their true deliverer (Hosea 13:4-8). The immediate verses leading up to Hosea 13:11 describe Israel's self-destruction and their failure to recognize God as their only help (Hosea 13:9-10). This verse, therefore, serves as a retrospective indictment of Israel's foundational sin of demanding a human king, a decision that set the stage for their subsequent spiritual apostasy and eventual downfall, culminating in the Assyrian conquest. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over human choices and their consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Hosea ministered to the Northern Kingdom during its final, tumultuous decades before its fall to Assyria in 722 BC. This period was marked by extreme political instability, with numerous kings assassinated and short, violent reigns. The cultural landscape was dominated by the syncretistic worship of Yahweh alongside Baal and other Canaanite deities, a direct violation of God's covenant. The historical backdrop for "I gave thee a king in mine anger" refers to Israel's original demand for a king in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"), where they rejected God as their direct ruler, desiring to be "like all the nations." This was a profound act of distrust and rebellion against the theocratic rule God had established. The subsequent "took him away in my wrath" broadly encompasses the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom's monarchy, which saw a rapid succession of unrighteous kings, many of whom met violent ends, culminating in the Assyrian conquest and the end of their independent kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 13:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Rebellion**. Even when Israel actively rejected God's perfect will by demanding a king, God remained sovereign, allowing their choice but retaining control over the outcomes, including the rise and fall of their leaders. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Rejecting God's Rule**. Israel's desire for a human king, driven by a lack of trust in God, led directly to a cycle of unrighteous leadership, political instability, and eventual national destruction, emphasizing the danger of prioritizing human solutions over divine guidance. Finally, the explicit mention of "anger" and "wrath" underscores **God's Righteous Indignation Against Idolatry and Disobedience**. These terms are not arbitrary human emotions but reflect God's just response to Israel's persistent spiritual infidelity and their breaking of the covenant, as seen throughout [Hosea](/hosea/1 "The Book of Hosea - A Prophet's Plea for Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is remarkably broad in its application, meaning "to give" in the widest sense, but also "to put, make, appoint, allow." In this context, it signifies God's active role in establishing the monarchy, not necessarily as His ideal will, but as a concession to Israel's demand. It implies a divine permission or appointment, even if born out of displeasure.
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rule," this word simply denotes a monarch or royal figure. Its significance here lies in the contrast between the human institution of kingship, which Israel desired for earthly security, and God's divine kingship, which they rejected. The word itself is neutral, but its context in Hosea 13:11 is laden with the negative implications of Israel's choice.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _ʻebrâh'_):** This feminine noun denotes an "outburst of passion," specifically "anger" or "rage." It signifies intense, burning indignation. Paired with "anger" (ʼaph), it emphasizes the severity and righteous nature of God's displeasure, indicating a profound and justified divine response to Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I gave thee a king in mine anger":** This clause refers to God's response to Israel's demand for a king in [1 Samuel 8](/1_samuel/8 "1 Samuel 8 - Israel Demands a King"). God, through Samuel, explicitly stated that in desiring a king, Israel had rejected Him as their true ruler. Therefore, the giving of a king, starting with Saul, was not an act of divine pleasure or ideal will, but a concession made in God's righteous displeasure (anger) at their stubbornness and lack of faith. It signifies a divine allowance of human choice, even when that choice is contrary to God's perfect plan and carries inherent negative consequences.
* **"and took [him] away in my wrath":** This second clause speaks to God's subsequent actions regarding the monarchy. While it can specifically refer to the rejection and eventual death of Saul ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")), it more broadly encompasses the entire tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom's monarchy. This kingdom experienced frequent assassinations and coups, with many kings reigning for only short periods before being violently overthrown. Ultimately, the entire monarchy of Israel was "taken away" with the Assyrian conquest in 722 BC. This removal was a direct manifestation of God's intense, burning indignation (wrath) against their persistent idolatry, covenant breaking, and reliance on human power rather than on Him.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 13:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as experiencing human emotions of "anger" (ʼaph) and "wrath" (ʻebrâh). This is not to suggest God is subject to irrational human passions, but rather to communicate the intensity and righteousness of His divine displeasure and judgment against sin. The pairing of "anger" and "wrath" also functions as a form of **Parallelism** or **Merism**, where two closely related terms are used together to emphasize the totality and severity of God's indignation. This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, underscoring the depth of divine disapproval. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** present: Israel desired a king to be "like all the nations" and to provide security, yet the kings God "gave" and "took away" became a source of profound instability, injustice, and ultimately, national destruction. This highlights the futility of human solutions apart from divine guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 13:11 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, including the rise and fall of nations and their leaders. It underscores that even when humanity chooses a path contrary to divine wisdom, God remains in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes, often through judgment. This verse challenges the human tendency to seek security and solutions in earthly power structures rather than in God alone, revealing that such reliance often leads to instability and divine displeasure. It also highlights the profound seriousness of rejecting God's direct rule and the severe consequences that follow from persistent disobedience and idolatry.

* [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - Israel Rejects God as King")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 13:11 carries timeless lessons for believers today, urging us to examine our own desires and allegiances. It prompts us to consider whether we, like ancient Israel, are prone to seeking human solutions, earthly security, or popular approval over God's perfect will and divine guidance. The verse challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult or when His ways seem contrary to our expectations. It reminds us that God's anger and wrath are not arbitrary but are righteous responses to sin, idolatry, and a rejection of His covenant. This should cultivate a spirit of humility, repentance, and a deep desire to live in obedience to His commands, recognizing that true peace and stability come only from submitting to His benevolent rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek human solutions or earthly security rather than trusting fully in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does understanding God's "anger" and "wrath" as righteous responses to sin shape my view of His character and my commitment to obedience?**
* **What "kings" or human institutions do I rely on, perhaps unconsciously, instead of fully submitting to Christ's leadership in my life?**

### FAQ
**Did God truly give Israel a king "in anger," or was it part of His plan?**

Answer: While God ultimately permitted Israel to have a king, Hosea 13:11 indicates that this was not His ideal or perfect will for them at that time, but rather a concession made in His righteous displeasure. In [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - Israel Rejects God as King"), God tells Samuel, "They have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them." Israel's demand for a king was rooted in a lack of faith and a desire to be "like all the nations," rather than trusting in God's unique theocratic rule. Therefore, God's "anger" reflects His holy displeasure at their rebellion and distrust, even as He sovereignly allowed their choice to unfold, knowing the consequences it would bring. It was part of His overarching plan to demonstrate the futility of human rule apart from Him, ultimately paving the way for the true, divine King.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 13:11, with its somber portrayal of a king given in anger and taken away in wrath, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike the earthly kings of Israel, who were chosen by human desire and often ruled in unrighteousness, leading to instability and judgment, Jesus is the King given not in anger, but in the boundless love of God for humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it subject to human whims or divine wrath; rather, it is an eternal, righteous, and unshakable kingdom ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Christ")). The kings of Israel were "taken away in wrath" due to their sin and the nation's rebellion, but Jesus, the perfect King, was "taken away" (crucified) not for His own sin, but as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His death was a substitutionary act that absorbed God's wrath against sin, making a way for reconciliation. He is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel's longing for a righteous ruler, the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose reign brings salvation, not judgment, to all who believe ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

1 Samuel 10:19

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.

1 Kings 14:7

¶ Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel,

1 Kings 14:16

And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

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?

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.