Hosea 5:10
The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: [therefore] I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.
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}.
The leaders of Y'hudah are like men who move boundary stones; I will pour my fury out upon them like water.
The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones; I will pour out My fury upon them like water.
The princes of Judah are like them that remove the landmark: I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.
Cross-References
-
Deuteronomy 19:14 (5 votes)
¶ 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 (3 votes)
The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. -
Psalms 93:4 (3 votes)
The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea. -
Psalms 32:6 (3 votes)
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 (3 votes)
Cursed [be] he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen. -
Proverbs 17:14 (2 votes)
¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. -
Psalms 88:17 (2 votes)
They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
Commentary
Hosea 5:10 delivers a stern prophecy from God concerning the leaders of Judah, highlighting a specific transgression and its severe consequence. This verse underscores God's righteous judgment against those who pervert justice and disregard established law.
Context of Hosea 5:10
The prophet Hosea primarily delivered messages to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but his prophecies often included strong warnings to the Southern Kingdom of Judah as well. In this chapter, God laments the spiritual adultery and moral decay of both nations, particularly focusing on the corrupt leadership. The "princes of Judah" here represent the ruling class, who were entrusted with upholding justice and righteousness.
The phrase "like them that remove the bound" refers to an ancient and serious offense. In agrarian societies, boundary markers (stones or pillars) defined land ownership. Deliberately moving these markers was akin to theft and a violation of established legal and social order, often leading to disputes and oppression of the vulnerable. It was specifically forbidden under Mosaic Law, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:14 and Deuteronomy 27:17. By comparing the princes to those who remove bounds, God accuses them of profound injustice, perhaps abusing their power to seize property, exploit the poor, or generally disregard divine and human laws for personal gain.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase for "remove the bound" (massegat gĕbûl) vividly portrays the act of stealthily or forcibly moving a boundary marker. This was not merely a minor offense but a fundamental assault on property rights and communal stability. The imagery of God pouring out wrath "like water" (ka-mayim) suggests a judgment that is abundant, pervasive, and impossible to contain, much like a flood that sweeps everything away. This contrasts sharply with God's desire for justice to roll down "like waters" as seen in Amos 5:24, where justice is a refreshing, steady flow, not a destructive deluge.
Practical Application
Hosea 5:10 offers timeless lessons for all generations:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.