Bible Strands
Hosea 8:10
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Yahweh speaks to Ephraim (Israel) as they finalize political alliances with foreign nations, specifically Assyria, during a period of active covenant rebellion.
The words — אֲקַבְּצֵ֑ם ('a.ka.be.Tze/m) literally means "I will gather them," and מְּעָ֔ט (me.'At) literally means "a few" or "to diminish."
The thread — The verse parallels Ezekiel 16:37, where God gathers Israel’s political lovers against them for judgment, and Isaiah 10:8, where a foreign ruler claims his commanders are all kings. Ezekiel 26:7 describes God bringing a northern king and army against Tyre without employing gathering language.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to see that political reliance replaces covenant trust, and God answers such rebellion with direct intervention that reduces national strength.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 16:37 therefore I will surely gather all the lovers with whom you found pleasure, all those you loved and all those you hated. I will gather them against you from all around and expose you before them, and they will see you completely naked.
- Ezekiel 26:7 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, with cavalry and a great company of troops.
- Isaiah 10:8 “Are not all my commanders kings?” he says.
- Jeremiah 42:2 Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.
- Ezekiel 23:22 Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned away in disgust. And I will bring them against you from every side—
- Hosea 10:10 I will chasten them when I please; nations will be gathered against them to put them in bondage for their double transgression.
- Haggai 2:6 For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.
- 2 Kings 14:26 For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel,
- 2 Kings 15:19 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.
- 2 Kings 17:3 Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute.