Hosea 5:10

KJV

The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: [therefore] I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.

KJV (with Strong's)

The princes {H8269} of Judah {H3063} were like them that remove {H5253} the bound {H1366}: therefore I will pour out {H8210} my wrath {H5678} upon them like water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders of Y'hudah are like men who move boundary stones; I will pour my fury out upon them like water.

Berean Standard Bible

The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones; I will pour out My fury upon them like water.

American Standard Version

The princes of Judah are like them that remove the landmark: I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 5:10 pronounces a severe divine judgment against the leaders of Judah, likening their actions to the ancient transgression of illegally moving boundary markers. This prophetic indictment highlights their profound disregard for justice, law, and the well-being of the people, culminating in God's unequivocal declaration that He will unleash His wrath upon them in an overwhelming and inescapable manner, much like a devastating flood. The verse underscores the gravity of leadership corruption and the certainty of divine retribution for those who pervert righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 5 marks a significant shift in the prophet's message from lament and appeal to a direct pronouncement of judgment against both Israel (Ephraim) and Judah. The preceding verses (Hosea 5:1-7) accuse the priests, the house of Israel, and the house of the king of deep-seated corruption, idolatry, and spiritual prostitution, leading to God's withdrawal. [Hosea 5:8-9](/hosea/5-8-9 "Hosea 5:8-9 - Judgment Announced") describe the sounding of the alarm and the impending desolation, setting the stage for the specific indictment against Judah's princes in [Hosea 5:10](/hosea/5-10 "Hosea 5:10 - Princes of Judah Judged"). The subsequent verses (Hosea 5:11-15) continue to detail the consequences of their sin, including divine discipline likened to rot and a lion, and ultimately God's departure until they seek Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during a turbulent period in both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, roughly from 750-715 BC. This era was marked by political instability, moral decay, and increasing Assyrian influence. The "princes of Judah" (שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה, _sarê Yᵉhûwdâh_) refer to the ruling elite, including royal officials, judges, and powerful landowners. In ancient agrarian societies, land ownership was paramount, and boundary markers (גְּבֻל, _gᵉbûwl_) were sacred, defining property lines and ensuring social order. The Mosaic Law explicitly condemned the removal of these markers as a grave offense against justice and the vulnerable, as seen in [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Remove Your Neighbor's Landmark") and [Deuteronomy 27:17](/deuteronomy/27-17 "Deuteronomy 27:17 - Curse for Moving a Landmark"). By comparing Judah's princes to those who remove the bound, Hosea accuses them of systemic injustice, exploitation of the poor, and a fundamental perversion of the legal and social order, all for personal gain or power.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the **corruption of leadership**, emphasizing that those in positions of authority are held to a higher standard and their unrighteousness has devastating consequences for the entire nation. It underscores the theme of **divine justice and judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and His readiness to act decisively against sin, especially when it involves oppression and a disregard for His covenant. The imagery of "removing the bound" also speaks to the **violation of covenant and law**, portraying a society that has strayed far from God's established principles for justice and equity, mirroring the spiritual adultery described earlier in [Hosea 4](/hosea/4 "Hosea 4 - Israel's Guilt and Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From H8269, meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward." This term specifically identifies the highest echelons of Judah's political and administrative leadership, those entrusted with governing and upholding justice. The indictment is thus leveled squarely at those who should have been guardians of the law, but instead became its perverters.
* **Bound (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** From H1366, meaning "properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed; border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space." This word refers to the physical markers or limits that defined land ownership. Its removal was a serious act of theft and injustice, particularly against the vulnerable who could not defend their property rights. Figuratively, it represents the transgression of established moral, legal, and divine boundaries.
* **Pour out (Hebrew, _shâphak'_):** From H8210, meaning "to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e. to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc.); intensively, to sprawl out." This verb denotes a forceful, abundant, and often irreversible release. When applied to God's wrath, it signifies an uncontainable, overwhelming, and complete outpouring of judgment, emphasizing its intensity and inevitability.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʻebrâh'_):** From H5678, meaning "an outburst of passion; anger, rage, wrath." This term describes a fierce, intense, and often sudden expression of divine indignation. It is not arbitrary anger but a righteous response to persistent rebellion, injustice, and the violation of God's holy standards. The combination with "pour out" stresses the full measure of this divine displeasure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound":** This clause delivers the core accusation against Judah's leadership. It condemns the "princes" (rulers, officials) for acting like those who illegally move boundary markers. This is a powerful metaphor for their systematic perversion of justice, exploitation of the weak, and disregard for established laws and property rights. It implies a deep-seated corruption where those meant to uphold order actively dismantle it for personal gain or power, violating both human and divine statutes.
* **"therefore I will pour out my wrath upon them like water":** This clause declares the direct and severe consequence of their actions. God, as the ultimate arbiter of justice, states His intention to unleash His "wrath" (intense, righteous anger) upon these corrupt leaders. The simile "like water" emphasizes the overwhelming, pervasive, and inescapable nature of this judgment. Just as a flood cannot be contained and sweeps everything away, so too will God's judgment be comprehensive and devastating, leaving no escape for those who have so grievously sinned.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 5:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of judgment. The central device is **Simile**, comparing the "princes of Judah" to "them that remove the bound." This comparison is highly effective because "removing the bound" was a well-understood and deeply condemned act of injustice in ancient Israel, making the accusation against the leaders immediately recognizable and morally reprehensible. The second powerful **Simile** is "I will pour out my wrath upon them like water." This vivid imagery evokes the destructive power of a flood, signifying a judgment that is abundant, overwhelming, and impossible to escape, contrasting sharply with water as a life-giving force. There is also strong **Metaphor** at play, as the act of "removing the bound" extends beyond a literal land dispute to symbolize a broader dismantling of legal, ethical, and covenantal boundaries. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle of Judgment**, a common form in prophetic literature where God's indictment is followed by a declaration of impending punishment, emphasizing divine sovereignty and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 5:10 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His fierce opposition to oppression and corruption, especially among those in authority. The "removing of the bound" is not merely a legal transgression but a violation of the very fabric of communal life and an affront to God's character, who champions the cause of the vulnerable. This divine wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent sin and the abuse of power, demonstrating that God holds leaders accountable for their stewardship. It foreshadows a consistent biblical theme: those who pervert justice will face severe consequences, for God's kingdom is founded on righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 27:17](/deuteronomy/27-17 "Deuteronomy 27:17 - Curse for Moving a Landmark"): "Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen."
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down Like Waters"): "But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream."
* [Psalm 58:11](/psalms/58-11 "Psalm 58:11 - God Judges the Earth"): "So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 5:10 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound responsibility that accompanies leadership, whether in government, business, community, or the church. It challenges us to examine our own lives and spheres of influence: do we uphold justice and integrity, or do we, like the princes of Judah, subtly or overtly "remove the bound" for personal gain, convenience, or power? This can manifest not only in literal dishonesty but also in ethical compromises, the exploitation of others, or the disregard for established moral and spiritual principles. The "pouring out of wrath like water" underscores the seriousness of God's view on such transgressions, reminding us that His justice is inevitable and comprehensive. For the oppressed, this verse offers a profound comfort: God sees injustice, and He will act. For those in positions of power, it is a stark warning to lead with righteousness, humility, and a deep respect for God's standards and the well-being of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or those I observe, be "removing the bound" in my personal, professional, or spiritual life, perhaps subtly compromising ethical or moral standards for convenience or gain?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against injustice, as depicted in this verse, shape my understanding of His character and my commitment to righteousness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for justice and uphold integrity in my sphere of influence, reflecting God's heart for righteousness and protecting the vulnerable?**

### FAQ

**What does "remove the bound" mean in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, "removing the bound" (or landmark) referred to the illegal and dishonest act of moving physical markers (stones or pillars) that delineated property lines between landowners. This was a grave offense, akin to theft, as it dispossessed individuals, particularly the vulnerable, of their rightful inheritance and livelihood. It was explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Remove Your Neighbor's Landmark"); [Deuteronomy 27:17](/deuteronomy/27-17 "Deuteronomy 27:17 - Curse for Moving a Landmark")) because it undermined the social order, violated justice, and exploited the poor. In Hosea 5:10, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the systemic injustice and disregard for divine law perpetrated by Judah's corrupt leaders.

**Why is God's wrath poured out "like water"?**

Answer: The imagery of God's wrath being poured out "like water" (כַּמַּיִם, _ka-mayim_) is a powerful simile emphasizing the overwhelming, pervasive, and inescapable nature of divine judgment. Just as a flood or a deluge of water is impossible to contain and sweeps away everything in its path, so too will God's retribution be comprehensive and unavoidable for the unrighteous princes of Judah. This contrasts with the life-giving nature of water and even with the prophet Amos's call for justice to roll down "like waters" ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down Like Waters")), here signifying destruction rather than refreshment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hosea 5:10 pronounces judgment on the corrupt leadership of Judah, it implicitly points to the ultimate King and just Ruler, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the righteousness that Judah's princes lacked. The "removing of the bound" speaks to the perversion of justice and the violation of God's law, which ultimately necessitated divine intervention. Jesus, as the Son of God, came not to remove the boundaries of God's law but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the one who perfectly upholds justice and righteousness, unlike the corrupt leaders who exploited their people. The wrath "poured out like water" foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin, a judgment that Jesus bore on the cross for those who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Through His sacrificial death, He became the propitiation for our sins, diverting the righteous wrath of God from us ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Thus, Hosea's warning of judgment highlights the desperate need for a perfect King and Savior, a need fulfilled in Christ, who establishes an eternal kingdom of justice and peace, where no boundaries of righteousness are ever transgressed ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

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

Deuteronomy 19:14

¶ Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

Psalms 93:3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

Psalms 93:4

The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

Psalms 32:6

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Deuteronomy 27:17

Cursed [be] he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Proverbs 17:14

¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Psalms 88:17

They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.