Hosea 8:10

KJV

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, though they have hired {H8566} among the nations {H1471}, now will I gather {H6908} them, and they shall sorrow {H2490} a little {H4592} for the burden {H4853} of the king {H4428} of princes {H8269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But even if they bargain among the Goyim, now I will round them up. Soon they will start to feel the burden of these kings and leaders.

Berean Standard Bible

Though they hire allies among the nations, I will now round them up, and they will begin to diminish under the oppression of the king of princes.

American Standard Version

Yea, though they hire among the nations, now will I gather them; and they begin to be diminished by reason of the burden of the king of princes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 8:10 pronounces God's sovereign judgment upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their persistent unfaithfulness, particularly their reliance on foreign alliances rather than on the Lord. Despite Israel's attempts to secure peace and protection through "hiring" themselves out to pagan nations, God declares His intention to "gather" them, not for blessing, but for the inevitable sorrow and oppressive "burden" that will come from the very "king of princes" they sought to appease or align with. The verse underscores the futility and tragic consequences of forsaking divine covenant for worldly security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 8:10 is situated within a broader prophetic indictment against Israel's idolatry and political apostasy. Chapters 7 and 8 specifically detail Israel's spiritual harlotry, their turning away from God, and their foolish alliances with foreign powers. [Hosea 7:11](/hosea/7-11 "Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim's Folly") describes Ephraim as a "silly dove, without heart," fluttering between Egypt and Assyria. This verse, [Hosea 8:10](/hosea/8-10 "Hosea 8:10 - Israel's Foreign Alliances and God's Judgment"), directly follows a denunciation of their making kings without God's approval and their lavish spending on idols (Hosea 8:4). The preceding verses (Hosea 8:7-9) speak of sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind, and Israel being swallowed up among the nations, becoming "a vessel wherein is no pleasure." Thus, verse 10 serves as a direct consequence and divine declaration of the outcome of their misguided foreign policy and spiritual infidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hosea prophesied during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, roughly from 750-715 BC, leading up to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC. The nation was caught between the rising imperial powers of Assyria to the north and Egypt to the south. Instead of trusting in their covenant God for protection, Israel's leaders repeatedly engaged in political maneuvering, forming alliances and paying tribute (the act of "hiring") to these stronger nations, hoping to secure their independence or gain an advantage. This practice was a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant, which called for exclusive loyalty to Yahweh and reliance on Him alone for national security (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition of Horses from Egypt")). The "king of princes" most likely refers to the Assyrian emperor, who indeed ruled over many vassal kings and lesser princes, imposing heavy burdens of tribute and military service on conquered or allied states.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hosea. It highlights the **consequences of covenant unfaithfulness**, demonstrating that Israel's spiritual adultery (their idolatry and reliance on foreign gods and nations) inevitably leads to divine judgment and national ruin. The theme of **false security** is prominent, as Israel's attempts to find safety in worldly alliances prove to be a snare, bringing the very oppression they sought to avoid. Furthermore, the verse underscores **God's absolute sovereignty**; even in their rebellion, God declares, "now will I gather them," asserting His ultimate control over their destiny and His role in bringing about their judgment, not as an arbitrary act, but as a just response to their persistent sin. This divine action is a form of **discipline and purification**, intended to bring them to repentance, though it comes with significant "sorrow" and "burden."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hired (Hebrew, _tânâh'_):** From H8566, meaning "to present (a mercenary inducement), i.e. bargain with (a harlot); hire." This word vividly portrays Israel's foreign policy as akin to prostitution. They were "hiring" or paying for alliances and protection from pagan nations, treating their relationship with foreign powers as a transactional affair, much like a harlot bargaining for payment. This imagery emphasizes the profound spiritual betrayal involved, as Israel, the bride of Yahweh, was seeking illicit relationships with other "lovers" (nations/gods) for security.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, meaning "to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up." In this context, God's act of "gathering" them is not for benevolent restoration or protection, but rather for judgment, exile, and the imposition of a heavy burden. It signifies God's active role in orchestrating the consequences of their actions, bringing them together under the yoke of their oppressors.
* **Burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** From H4853, meaning "a burden; specifically, tribute, or (abstractly) porterage; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly adoom, especially singing; mental, desire." This word carries multiple layers of meaning. It refers to the literal heavy tribute and taxes imposed by the Assyrian empire, but also carries the prophetic connotation of a "doom" or "oracle" of judgment. The very alliances Israel "hired" would become the source of their heaviest burden, a divine judgment delivered through human instruments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, though they have hired among the nations,"**: This clause highlights Israel's persistent and deliberate strategy of seeking alliances and paying tribute to foreign powers. The phrase "hired among the nations" underscores their transactional approach to international relations, viewing pagan empires as sources of security and strength, rather than relying on the Lord their God. This act is presented as a profound act of spiritual infidelity, akin to spiritual prostitution, as they abandoned their covenant relationship with Yahweh for worldly gain and protection.
* **"now will I gather them,"**: This is a declaration of divine judgment. Despite Israel's efforts to secure themselves through human means, God asserts His sovereign control. The "gathering" here is not for restoration or protection, but for judgment and exile. It signifies God's active role in bringing about the consequences of their sin, assembling them for the impending sorrow and oppression. This demonstrates that even in their rebellion, they cannot escape the Lord's ultimate authority over their destiny.
* **"and they shall sorrow a little"**: This phrase describes the immediate emotional and practical consequence of God's gathering. The "sorrow" (from H2490, _châlal_, which can also mean to profane or wound) indicates the pain, distress, and hardship that will accompany their judgment. The term "a little" (H4592, _mᵉʻaṭ_) might imply that the initial sorrow is but a foretaste of a greater, more enduring suffering, or perhaps that the period of intense sorrow will be relatively brief before the full weight of the "burden" settles upon them. It emphasizes the direct link between their actions and their emotional suffering.
* **"for the burden of the king of princes."**: This final clause reveals the specific nature and source of their sorrow. The "burden" refers to the heavy oppression, tribute, and subjugation imposed by a powerful imperial ruler. The "king of princes" (H4428, _melek_, "king"; H8269, _sar_, "prince") is a title likely referring to the Assyrian emperor, who reigned over numerous vassal kings and lesser rulers. This burden is the direct, divinely ordained consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and their misguided alliances, illustrating the futility of trusting in human power over God's covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 8:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the implied comparison of Israel's foreign policy to "hiring" or prostitution, a recurring theme in Hosea that vividly portrays their spiritual infidelity to Yahweh. The "burden of the king of princes" functions as a powerful **symbol** of the oppressive tribute and subjugation that will be imposed upon Israel, a direct consequence of their choices. This also serves as a form of **poetic justice**, where the very powers Israel sought to appease become the instruments of their suffering. The phrase "now will I gather them" demonstrates **divine irony**, as God's "gathering" is not for blessing but for judgment, turning Israel's attempts at self-preservation into the means of their downfall. The entire verse is an example of **prophetic oracle**, delivering a stern warning and declaration of future events as a direct consequence of present sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 8:10 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that seeking security and strength outside of God's covenant leads to inevitable sorrow and oppression. Israel's "hiring among the nations" was a rejection of Yahweh as their sole protector and provider, a betrayal of their covenant vows. This act of spiritual harlotry demonstrates a fundamental distrust in God's power and faithfulness, leading them to rely on the fleeting and ultimately destructive power of human empires. The "burden of the king of princes" is a divine consequence, a just recompense for their apostasy, showing that God is sovereign even over the actions of pagan kings and nations, using them as instruments of His righteous judgment. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when it involves painful discipline for His unfaithful people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children")
* [Jeremiah 2:36-37](/jeremiah/2-36-37 "Jeremiah 2:36-37 - Why Do You Go About So Much?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 8:10 serves as a timeless warning for believers today, challenging us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and seek our security. Just as ancient Israel sought to "hire" protection from worldly powers, we too can be tempted to rely on human systems, financial stability, political influence, or personal achievements rather than on God alone. This verse reminds us that such misplaced trust, while seemingly offering temporary relief or advantage, ultimately leads to greater burdens and sorrow. It calls us to a radical dependence on Christ, recognizing that true peace, security, and freedom are found only in Him. When we compromise our faith or seek worldly solutions in defiance of God's will, we invite spiritual and practical burdens into our lives. The "sorrow" and "burden" mentioned in the verse serve as a powerful reminder that God's discipline, though painful, is a loving act intended to draw us back into faithful relationship with Him, revealing the futility of our self-reliant schemes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to "hire among the nations," seeking security or solutions outside of God's will and provision?**
* **How does my reliance on worldly systems (e.g., finances, career, social status) potentially create "burdens" or "sorrow" in my life?**
* **In what ways might God be "gathering" me through difficult circumstances to bring me back into deeper dependence on Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more profound trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "hired among the nations" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Hosea 8:10, "hired among the nations" refers to Israel's practice of seeking political alliances and paying tribute or "hire" to powerful foreign empires like Assyria and Egypt, rather than trusting in God for their security. This act was seen as a profound betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, akin to spiritual prostitution, where they exchanged their loyalty to God for the fleeting and ultimately destructive protection of pagan nations. It highlights their misplaced trust and spiritual infidelity, as also seen in [Hosea 7:11](/hosea/7-11 "Hosea 7:11 - Ephraim's Folly") where Ephraim is described as fluttering between these powers.

**Who is the "king of princes" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "king of princes" (Hebrew: _melek sarim_) is a regal title that most likely refers to the powerful Assyrian emperor of Hosea's time. Assyria was a dominant imperial power that had subjugated many smaller kingdoms and rulers, making its emperor a "king" over numerous "princes" or vassal kings. The "burden" from this king refers to the heavy tribute, taxation, and oppressive rule that Israel would suffer as a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness and their misguided attempts to align with or appease such a power. This ultimately led to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC, fulfilling this prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 8:10, with its depiction of Israel's futile search for security in worldly alliances and the resulting "burden," finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive answer in Jesus Christ. Israel sought external powers to bear their national burdens, but these only led to greater oppression. Christ, however, is the true "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), who alone can lift the ultimate burden of sin and death. Whereas Israel's "hiring among the nations" was an act of spiritual harlotry, betraying their covenant, Christ offers a new covenant, inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him, promising rest ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He bore the "burden" of humanity's sin on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that removes our transgressions, unlike the oppressive tribute imposed by earthly kings ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - He Bore Our Griefs")). In Christ, believers are "gathered" not for judgment and sorrow, but for eternal life and adoption into God's family ([John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - Gather into One the Children of God Scattered Abroad")). He is the true source of security and peace, freeing us from the futile reliance on worldly systems and the heavy yoke of sin.

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

Ezekiel 16:37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved, with all [them] that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

Ezekiel 26:7

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.

Isaiah 10:8

For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?

Hosea 10:10

[It is] in my desire that I should chastise them; and the people shall be gathered against them, when they shall bind themselves in their two furrows.

Ezekiel 23:22

¶ Therefore, O Aholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy mind is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side;

Ezekiel 23:26

They shall also strip thee out of thy clothes, and take away thy fair jewels.

Isaiah 36:13

Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.