Hosea 8:4

Hosea 8:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction.

King James Version KJV

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

American Standard Version ASV

They have set up kings, but not by me; they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

Bible in Basic English BBE

They have put up kings, but not by me; they have made princes, but I had no knowledge of it; they have made images of silver and gold, so that they may be cut off.

Free Bible Version FBV

They appointed kings without my consent and chose princes without my knowledge. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

They haue set vp a King, but not by me: they haue made princes, and I knew it not: of their siluer and their gold haue they made them idoles: therefore shall they be destroyed.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

They have made kings, and not by Me, They have made princes, and I have not known, Their silver and their gold they have made to them idols, So that they are cut off.

World English Bible WEB

They have set up kings, but not by me. They have made princes, and I didn’t approve. Of their silver and their gold they have made themselves idols, that they may be cut off.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made for themselves idols, that they may be cut off.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

They have reigned, but not by me: they have been princes, and I knew not: of their silver, and their gold they have made idols to themselves, that they might perish.

Translation for Translators T4T

The Israel people appointed their last three kings, but they did not ask me if I agreed to what they were doing. They chose their own leaders without asking if I would approve of them. They used their own silver and gold to make for themselves idols, and doing that led them to be destroyed.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hosea 8:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hosea 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הֵ֤ם הִמְלִיכוּ֙ וְ/לֹ֣א מִמֶּ֔/נִּי הֵשִׂ֖ירוּ וְ/לֹ֣א יָדָ֑עְתִּי כַּסְפָּ֣/ם וּ/זְהָבָ֗/ם עָשׂ֤וּ לָ/הֶם֙ עֲצַבִּ֔ים לְמַ֖עַן יִכָּרֵֽת

הֵ֤ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

הִמְלִיכוּ֙ mâlak H4427 to reign V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

מִמֶּ֔/נִּי min H4480 from Prep | Suff

הֵשִׂ֖ירוּ sârar H8323 to rule V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָדָ֑עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

כַּסְפָּ֣/ם keçeph H3701 silver N-ms | Suff

וּ/זְהָבָ֗/ם zâhâb H2091 gold Conj | N-ms | Suff

עָשׂ֤וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

עֲצַבִּ֔ים ʻâtsâb H6091 idol N-mp

לְמַ֖עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

יִכָּרֵֽת kârath H3772 to cut V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Hosea 8:4

הֵ֤ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

הִמְלִיכוּ֙ mâlak H4427 "to reign" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.

Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

מִמֶּ֔/נִּי min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הֵשִׂ֖ירוּ sârar H8323 "to rule" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

This verb means to take control or rule over something, as seen in the Bible when leaders exercise power over their people.

Definition: 1) to be or act as prince, rule, contend, have power, prevail over, reign, govern 1a) (Qal) to rule over, govern 1b) (Hithpael) to lord it over Also means: sur (שׂוּר "to reign" H7786)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, make self a prince, (bear) rule. See also: Numbers 16:13; Proverbs 8:16; Isaiah 32:1.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

יָדָ֑עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כַּסְפָּ֣/ם keçeph H3701 "silver" N-ms | Suff

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

וּ/זְהָבָ֗/ם zâhâb H2091 "gold" Conj | N-ms | Suff

Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.

Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.

עָשׂ֤וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

עֲצַבִּ֔ים ʻâtsâb H6091 "idol" N-mp

This word is used to describe an idolatrous image, like the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the physical object of worship, rather than the false god itself.

Definition: idol, image

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: idol, image. See also: 1 Samuel 31:9; Isaiah 10:11; Psalms 106:36.

לְמַ֖עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep

This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.

Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that

Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.

יִכָּרֵֽת kârath H3772 "to cut" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

Study Notes — Hosea 8:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Hosea 8:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hosea 8:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 8:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 8:4
Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 8:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 8:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 8:4
Cambridge Bible on Hosea 8:4
Barnes' Notes on Hosea 8:4
Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 8:4
Sermons on Hosea 8:4

Context — Israel Will Reap the Whirlwind

2Israel cries out to Me, “O our God, we know You!” 3But Israel has rejected good; an enemy will pursue him.

4They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction.

5He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? 6For this thing is from Israel— a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 15:10–30	Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down and killed him in front of the people, and reigned in his place. As for the rest of the acts of Zechariah, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. So the word of the LORD spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.” In the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah’s reign over Judah, Shallum son of Jabesh became king, and he reigned in Samaria one full month. Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria, struck down and killed Shallum son of Jabesh, and reigned in his place. As for the rest of the acts of Shallum, along with the conspiracy he led, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and everyone in its vicinity, because they would not open their gates. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women. In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Menahem son of Gadi became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria ten years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and throughout his reign he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land. As for the rest of the acts of Menahem, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? And Menahem rested with his fathers, and his son Pekahiah reigned in his place. In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel and reigned in Samaria two years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. Then his officer, Pekah son of Remaliah, conspired against him along with Argob, Arieh, and fifty men of Gilead. And at the citadel of the king’s palace in Samaria, Pekah struck down and killed Pekahiah and reigned in his place. As for the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, along with all his accomplishments, they are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. In the fifty-second year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekah son of Remaliah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit. In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria. Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah, Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place.
2	Hosea 13:9–10	You are destroyed, O Israel, because you are against Me— against your helper. Where is your king now to save you in all your cities, and the rulers to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”?
3	Hosea 2:8	For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold— which they crafted for Baal.
4	Hosea 13:2	Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, “They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!”
5	1 Kings 16:31	And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal.
6	1 Kings 12:16–20	When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David. When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.
7	1 Kings 12:28	After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
8	John 10:14	I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
9	Galatians 4:9	But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
10	Ezekiel 18:31	Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?

Hosea 8:4 Summary

This verse is saying that the people of Israel were making their own decisions about who should be their leaders, without asking God for His opinion. They were also using their wealth to make idols, which is a form of rebellion against God. This kind of behavior can lead to destruction, as we see in other parts of the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 8:19-20. By seeking God's guidance and trusting in Him, we can avoid this kind of destruction and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to set up kings and make princes without God's approval?

In Hosea 8:4, this refers to Israel's tendency to make decisions based on their own desires and interests, rather than seeking God's guidance and direction, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:7 where Israel asks for a king without consulting God.

How does making idols with silver and gold lead to destruction?

The idols made by the Israelites were a form of rebellion against God, and their trust in these idols would ultimately lead to their downfall, as warned in Deuteronomy 8:19-20, where God says that if they forget Him, they will surely be destroyed.

What is the significance of God saying 'without My approval'?

This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in every aspect of His people's lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in God and acknowledge Him in all our ways.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

This verse highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the establishment of leaders, and reminds us that true authority comes from God, as stated in Romans 13:1-2, where we are told that all authority is established by God.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be making decisions without seeking God's approval?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and guidance in my own life, especially when faced with difficult decisions?
What are some modern-day 'idols' that I may be tempted to trust in, and how can I guard against them?
What does it mean to 'acknowledge God in all my ways', and how can I apply this principle to my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by me,.... Not by his authority, order, and command; not by asking advice of him, or his leave, but of themselves, and of their own, accord: this refers to the case of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hosea 8:4

They; Israel, the prevailing faction among them in Hosea’ s time. Have set up kings; Shallum, Menahem, Pekah, and Hoshea, who usurped the throne. But not by me; not by my direction, or with my approbation; they neither prayed his blessing nor asked his leave. And this may be applied to the very first founding of the kingdom of Israel, divided from the house of David. They have made princes; rulers and magistrates, or nobles. And I knew it not: he that will not approve any one evil, when his omniscience discerns all, is pleased to say he knew not what he did not approve. They made them idols; heathen like, they have made them gods, and set up idolatry, so have perverted all in church and state settled by me. That they may be cut off; as if they were resolved to cut themselves off from being a people. By this they thought to establish themselves, but it will be quite contrary, these sins will be their ruin.

Trapp's Commentary on Hosea 8:4

Hosea 8:4 They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.Ver. 4. They have set up kings, but not by me, &c.] The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin render it, "They have reigned themselves"; like as St Paul telleth the haughty Corinthians, who, carried aloft by their waxen wings, domineered and despised others, "ye have reigned as kings without us," &c., 1 Corinthians 4:8. But our reading is according to the original; and so they are charged with a double defection; the one civil, from the house of David, "they have set up kings," &c.; the other ecclesiastical, from the sincere service of God, "they had made them idols." For the first, it was not their fault to set up kings; but to do it without God, without his license and approbation. They took counsel, but not of God; they covered with a covering, but not of his spirit, that they might add sin to sin, Isaiah 30:1. They went headlong to work, in setting up Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. For although the things were done by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, as was likewise Christ’ s crucifixion, Acts 2:23, yet because the people were led by their own pride and ambition to choose a new king, without either asking God’ s consent or eyeing his decree, they did it rashly and seditiously; neither aimed they at anything else, but at the easing of their burdens, and drawing to themselves the wealth of the kingdom. As for Jeroboam, it is before noted, that although he had it cleared to him, that God’ s will was he should be king over the ten tribes, yet because it was a will of God’ s decree, not of his command, as of a duty to be done by him; and because he did not as David, who when he had the promise of the kingdom (yea, was anointed king) yet invaded not the kingdom, but waited till he was lawfully exalted thereunto by God; therefore passeth he for a usurper. And the people are here worthily reprehended, since whatsoever is not of faith is sin; and it is obedience when men obey a divine precept; but not ever when they follow a divine instinct. They have made princes, &c.] Some render it, They have removed princes (as if in the word Hasiru Sin were put for Samech, R. Sal. Jerki.), they have taken liberty to make and unmake princes at their pleasure; as the Roman army did emperors; and as that potent Earl of Warwick, in Henry VI’ s time, who is said to have carried a king in his pocket. But because the former reading is confirmed by the Chaldee paraphrase, and the sense is agreeable to what went before, neither read we of any kings of Israel deposed by the people, we retain it as the better.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hosea 8:4

(4) Set up kings.—It is possible that the prophet alludes to the history of the northern kingdom as a whole. Though the revolt of the Ten Tribes received Divine sanction (1 Kings 11:9-11), it was obviously contrary to the Divine and prophetic idea which associated the growth of true religion with the line of David (Hosea 3:5). But it is best to regard the passage as referring to the short reigns of usurpers and to the foul murders which disgraced the annals of the northern kingdom since the death of Jeroboam II. Jehovah repudiates all participation in their anarchy. Knew it not.—Should be, knew them not—viz., the gold and silver splendours wherewith Israel had adorned its apostacy.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hosea 8:4

Verse 4. They have set up kings, but not by me] Properly speaking, not one of the kings of Israel, from the defection of the ten tribes from the house of David, was the anointed of the Lord. I knew it not] It had not my approbation. In this sense the word know is frequently understood. That they may be cut off.] That is, They shall be cut off in consequence of their idolatry.

Cambridge Bible on Hosea 8:4

4. Israel’s great offence—making a schism in the ‘theocratic’ community. Setting up idols was virtually rebellion against Jehovah; whatever Ahijah said (1 Kings 11:31, &c.), or a lower class of prophets after him (comp. Amos 7:12-13), the great prophets, such as Hosea, could not sanction any of the N. Israelitish dynasties (see on Hosea 1:11). See next note. not by me] Rather, not from me. There is a verbal contradiction between these words and those ascribed to Shemaiah in 2 Kings 12:24. A prophet could only declare the will of God with regard to the particular case laid before him. The disunion of north and south was so great, that for the sake of peace it was better to separate. But when the moral and spiritual decay of N. Israel had reached such a point as in the time of Hosea, no prophet with any spiritual insight could fail to perceive that the usurping kings lacked the divine blessing. that they may be cut off] The verb is in the singular, and the implied subject is the silver and gold which had been made into idols.

Barnes' Notes on Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by ME - God Himself foretold to Jeroboam by Ahijah the prophet, that He would “rend the kingdom out of the hands of Solomon, and give ten tribes” to him, “and” would

Whedon's Commentary on Hosea 8:4

4. They have set up kings, but not by me — Some understand this passage as a condemnation of the kingship in general; others, of the division of the kingdom after the death of Solomon, which led to

Sermons on Hosea 8:4

	Sermon	Description
	Homily 3 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, on an embassy to the Emperor Theodosius, emphasizing the sacrifice and dedication of a true shepherd who
	God's Riches in Glory by Charles E. Fuller	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of two words: "but God." These words signify the intervention and mercy of God in the midst of human despair and hop
	Two Kingdoms by Dean Taylor	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of the two kingdoms, highlighting the need to grasp the teachings of Jesus. It delves into the historical context
	News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned Sinner by Philip Doddridge	Philip Doddridge preaches about the incredible message of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's compassion in sending His Son to die for sinners, offering reconciliatio
	The Sum of Saving Knowledge - Heads by David Dickson	David Dickson preaches on the four heads of The Sum of Saving Knowledge: the woeful condition of all men by nature due to breaking the covenant of works, the remedy provided in Jes
	A More Particular Account of the Way by Which This Salvation Is to Be Obtained by Philip Doddridge	Philip Doddridge preaches about the way of salvation through Christ, emphasizing the importance of repentance, faith, and giving up self-dependence to seek salvation by free grace.
	Hosea 13:9 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes that Israel's self-destruction stemmed from turning away from God and embracing idols, leading to a shift in priorities that ultimately distanced them from d