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Hosea 8:4 Cross References
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.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Hosea 8:4. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Hosea 8:4 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Hosea 8:4 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

2 Kings 15:10 (KJV) »
And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 16:31 (KJV) »
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

Hosea 13:2 (KJV) »
And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: they say of them, Let the men that sacrifice kiss the calves.

Hosea 2:8 (KJV) »
For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal.

1 Kings 12:16 (KJV) »
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

Galatians 4:9 (KJV) »
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

1 Kings 12:28 (KJV) »
Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Luke 13:25 (KJV) »
When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Luke 13:27 (KJV) »
But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

1 Kings 13:34 (KJV) »
And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.

Ezekiel 18:31 (KJV) »
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Jeremiah 44:7 (KJV) »
Therefore now thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain;
Hosea 8:4 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Bible Verse Meaning: Hosea 8:4
Verse Reference: 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."
Summary of Meaning: Hosea 8:4 critiques Israel's practice of establishing leadership and worship apart from God's guidance. It emphasizes the futility of their actions, reflecting a rejection of divine authority and an inclination towards idolatry. The verse serves as a prophetic warning against misplaced trust in human institutions and material wealth.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry highlights that Israel's kings and princes were not chosen under divine approval but rather by popular demand or political maneuvering. This lack of Godly endorsement results in instability and moral decline. The emphasis on silver and gold signifies an idolatrous reliance on wealth, which ultimately leads to their destruction.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes interprets this verse as a manifestation of Israel's rebellion. The leaders have sought authority without acknowledging God, symbolizing a broader societal rejection of divine leadership. Barnes also notes that the 'idols' made from silver and gold represent a perverse transformation of resources intended for worship into objects of false reverence, reinforcing Israel's disobedience.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke elaborates on the detachment of the rulers from God's will, asserting that Israel made decisions independent of divine insight. Clarke warns that this autonomy comes with severe consequences, leading to the nation's eventual downfall. He also explains that the use of wealth to create idols indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of God's will and purpose for their lives.
Bible Verse Cross-References
Understanding Hosea 8:4 involves examining related scripture. Here are connections to other Bible verses that deepen the insights related to leadership, idolatry, and human reliance versus divine authority:
- 1 Samuel 8:7: Discusses Israel's demand for a king, highlighting their rejection of God's reign.
- Psalm 20:7: Contrasts reliance on chariots and horses with trust in God's name.
- Isaiah 31:1: Warns against seeking help from human rulers instead of God.
- Jeremiah 2:13: Points out that God is the source of living water, while idolatry is broken cisterns.
- Ezekiel 14:4: Addresses the issue of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God.
- Romans 1:25: Discusses how people exchange the truth of God for lies and worship created things.
- Matthew 6:24: Teaches that one cannot serve both God and money, highlighting the conflict between divine and materialism.
Thematic Bible Verse Connections
The themes highlighted in Hosea 8:4 resonate throughout the Bible. They explore the tension between divine authority and human will, the nature of true worship, and the consequences of idolatry. Notably, these themes call for introspection regarding our own practices of faith and leadership.
Comparative Bible Verse Analysis
When studying Hosea 8:4, consider:
- How do the actions of Israel in this verse foreshadow similar behaviors in modern contexts?
- In what ways does this verse connect to current discussions about the role of wealth and power in leadership?
- How does the concept of idolatry manifest today, and are there parallels to the worship of silver and gold?
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
For a detailed study of biblical passages and their interconnections, consider utilizing:
- Bible concordance for keyword searches.
- Bible cross-reference guides that offer thematic links.
- Online tools for Bible cross-referencing to enhance your study experience.
Conclusion
Hosea 8:4 serves as a critical reflection on the relationship between human authority and divine will. By examining this verse through the lens of interconnected scripture and utilizing valuable Bible study resources, one can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of faith, leadership, and the dangers of idolatry. This verse not only warns of the consequences of forsaking God but also invites believers to seek a renewed dedication to divine guidance in all aspects of life.