Hosea 8:10
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.
Hosea 8:10 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse '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' can be found in the book of Hosea, chapter 8, verse 10. In this verse, the prophet Hosea is conveying a message from God to the people of Israel. The verse speaks of the consequences of the Israelites seeking alliances with other nations and turning away from God. The phrase "yea, though they have hired among the nations" refers to the Israelites seeking help from foreign powers instead of relying on God. Despite their efforts to align themselves with other nations, God declares that he will gather them back to himself. However, this gathering will come with sorrow and hardship, symbolized by "the burden of the king of princes." This verse serves as a reminder that turning away from God and seeking worldly alliances will ultimately lead to sorrow and difficulty, but God's grace and mercy are always available to those who turn back to him.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Hosea 8:10 is that it speaks to the consequences of rebellion or turning away from God. The act of hiring among the nations could symbolize seeking help or alliances from worldly powers instead of relying on God. The mention of gathering them despite their actions suggests God's relentless pursuit of His people, even when they have strayed far from Him. The sorrow they experience could be seen as a form of discipline or correction from God, designed to draw them back to Himself. The reference to the "king of princes" could signify the ultimate authority and power of God over all the rulers and leaders of the earth. This verse underscores the sovereignty and mercy of God, as well as the importance of repentance and returning to Him in times of trouble.
Hosea 8:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
Yea, though they hire among the nations, now will I gather them; and they begin to be diminished by reason of the burden of the king of princes.
World English Bible
But although they sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them; and they begin to waste away because of the oppression of the king of mighty ones.
Douay-Rheims
But even though they shall have hired the nations, now will I gather them together: and they shall rest a while from the burden of the king, and the princes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Yet though they haue hired among the nations, nowe will I gather them, and they shall sorowe a litle, for the burden of the King and the princes.