Hosea 13:10
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?
Original Language Analysis
אֵפ֔וֹא
where
H645
אֵפ֔וֹא
where
Strong's:
H645
Word #:
3 of 13
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
וְיוֹשִֽׁיעֲךָ֖
is any other that may save
H3467
וְיוֹשִֽׁיעֲךָ֖
is any other that may save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֶ֑יךָ
thee in all thy cities
H5892
עָרֶ֑יךָ
thee in all thy cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְשֹׁ֣פְטֶ֔יךָ
and thy judges
H8199
וְשֹׁ֣פְטֶ֔יךָ
and thy judges
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
7 of 13
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Historical Context
Israel's monarchy beginning (Saul, 1 Samuel 8) reflected rejection of God's direct kingship. Northern kingdom's kings (from Jeroboam I forward) all failed - no lasting dynasty, constant violence, eventual destruction. Where are they now? All dead, powerless. Modern parallel: political ideologies, charismatic leaders, government programs all ultimately fail to save. Only Christ provides lasting kingdom and perfect justice. While civil government serves valid purpose (Romans 13:1-7), it cannot provide ultimate salvation or create perfect society. Only Christ's return establishes that.
Questions for Reflection
- What human kings, leaders, or systems do I trust as saviors, forgetting that only God saves?
- How does the failure of Israel's chosen kings warn against political messianism - expecting government to solve spiritual problems?
Analysis & Commentary
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? God sarcastically offers to be their king, then questions: where are other saviors (kings, judges, princes) you requested? This recalls 1 Samuel 8:5-7 when Israel demanded human king, rejecting God as King. Their chosen leaders proved powerless. Divine rhetorical question exposes futility of human saviors. Only God saves; all substitutes fail. Jesus is true King (John 18:37), establishing kingdom that cannot be shaken. All political hopes apart from Christ ultimately disappoint.