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Book of Hosea - Chapter 13 - Verse 11

13:11
I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.

Meaning

When looking at the verse "I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath," it is important to understand the context in which it was written. This verse comes from the book of Hosea in the Old Testament, where the prophet Hosea is speaking to the nation of Israel about their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God. In this particular verse, God is addressing the fact that he had given the Israelites a king as a result of their persistent demands, even though it was not in their best interest. The king that was given to them was a result of God's anger towards their disobedience. However, when the king also proved to be unfaithful and led the people further away from God, God's wrath was kindled, resulting in the removal of the king. This verse serves as a reminder that God's actions are just and that disobedience will not go unpunished.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse 'I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath' from the book of Hosea is that it reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience and rejection of God. The context of this verse is God rebuking Israel for turning away from Him and seeking worldly kings to lead them instead. By saying that He gave them a king in His anger and took him away in His wrath, God is showing that He allowed their desires to be fulfilled temporarily but ultimately withdrew His favor as a result of their sin.

Word studies on this verse can shed light on the deeper meanings of "anger" and "wrath" in the original Hebrew text. The word for "anger" can signify a strong emotion or indignation, while "wrath" typically denotes a more intense and prolonged anger, often associated with punishment. In this context, God's actions of giving and taking away the king reveal His righteous judgment on Israel's actions and His sovereignty over earthly rulers.

Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking fulfillment in worldly things. It underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and trusting in His guidance, rather than relying on human leaders or idols.

American Standard Version

I have given thee a king in mine anger, and have taken him away in my wrath.
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