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.
Hosea 5:10 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out my wrath upon them like water" is a warning from the prophet Hosea to the leaders of Judah. In ancient times, it was common for boundaries to be set to protect people's property and ensure justice. However, the princes of Judah were acting unjustly by removing these bounds, likely to expand their own wealth and power. This action went against God's laws and principles of fairness, leading to his anger being kindled against them. The comparison to pouring out wrath like water emphasizes the extent and intensity of God's punishment upon those who go against his will. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding justice and righteousness in leadership, as well as the consequences of straying from God's ways.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Hosea is delivering a message from God to the leaders of Judah. The phrase "like them that remove the bound" is a metaphorical way of describing the princes of Judah as those who disregard the boundaries and restrictions that God has set in place for His people. These leaders have shown a lack of respect for God's laws and have acted in ways that go against His will. As a result, God warns that He will pour out His wrath upon them like water, indicating the intensity and abundance of His anger towards their disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commandments and the consequences that come with straying from His path. It is a powerful image meant to convey the severity of God's judgment in response to unfaithfulness and disobedience.
Hosea 5:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
The princes of Judah are like them that remove the landmark: I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.
World English Bible
The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark. I will pour out my wrath on them like water.
Douay-Rheims
The princes of Juda are become as they that take up the bound: I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The princes of Iudah were like them that remoue the bounde: therefore will I powre out my wrath vpon them like water.