Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 8:4. It’s a really powerful warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping things other than God. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: “They have set up kings, but not by me…” This suggests that these rulers – kings and their officials – are prioritizing material wealth and power over true faith and righteousness. They’re creating a system built on possessions rather than God. “…they have made princes, and I knew [it] not:” This is where it gets really significant. “Princes” refers to rulers and leaders. The speaker, Hosea, didn't know they were creating these powerful figures solely for their own benefit. It implies a lack of awareness or guidance on the part of those in power. “Of their silver and their gold have they made them idols…” This is the core of the warning. They’re not just using wealth; they're idolizing it! They’ve turned these riches into something that isn’t truly sacred – a symbol of themselves, their power, or their desires. It’s like building a statue out of gold and silver, believing it holds divine power. “…that they may be cut off.” This means that this worship is ultimately dangerous. It’s creating a system where these rulers are vulnerable to God's judgment because they’re focused on earthly things instead of Him. They’re susceptible to being abandoned or punished for their idolatry. In simpler terms: Hosea is saying that these rulers are obsessed with wealth and power, and they’ve created a system where those resources are used as idols – symbols of themselves rather than God. This creates a dangerous situation because it makes them vulnerable to God's judgment. It’s about prioritizing materialism over true faith. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of resisting temptation and focusing on spiritual values. It warns against the dangers of worldly attachments and encourages us to seek a relationship with God, which is far more valuable than material possessions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the context of Hosea 8?