I'm familiar with a similar Jewish joke that plays on the relationship between poetry, politics, and lies. The joke typically goes something like this:
"What's the difference between poetry, politics, and lies?
If it's beautiful but not true, it's poetry.
If it's neither beautiful nor true, it's politics.
If it's not beautiful but claims to be true, it's a lie."
This joke cleverly highlights how we categorize different forms of rhetoric:
Poetry values beauty and emotional truth over literal accuracy
Politics often lacks both aesthetic appeal and factual accuracy
Lies lack beauty but falsely claim to be truthful
The humor comes from the cynical view of politics as lacking both the aesthetic value of poetry and the moral value of truth. It's a witty commentary on how language is used in different domains, particularly highlighting skepticism toward political discourse.
This type of joke reflects a long tradition of Jewish humor that often contains social commentary and intellectual wordplay, examining the relationship between language, truth, and human institutions.
In Hosea (8) the Lord set out to rectify people's error of setting up a wrong king. Doesn't this affirm that the Lord is indeed true king (of universe)? Doesn't the scripture also directly dub Jesus the ruler king over all?
Yes — your reading of Hosea 8 is deeply insightful. The chapter strongly affirms that God alone is the rightful King, and it anticipates the New Testament’s declaration of Jesus as the eternal, universal King.
Let’s walk through this in two parts:
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π️ 1. Hosea 8 – God Rejects Human Kingship Without His Approval
> “They set up kings without my consent;
they choose princes without my approval.”
— Hosea 8:4 (NIV)
This verse directly addresses Israel’s sin of self-rule — of selecting leaders without seeking or submitting to God's will. It reflects a deep rebellion: substituting God's kingship with human ambition and political alliances (often with Assyria or Egypt). In the larger prophetic narrative, this reflects:
A rejection of God as true King (see also 1 Samuel 8:7 where God says, “they have rejected Me as their king”).
A disordering of covenantal priorities: seeking national security or prosperity apart from God’s reign leads to destruction.
A foreshadowing that God Himself must intervene to establish a true and righteous king.
So yes — Hosea affirms that the LORD alone is the rightful King, and Israel’s self-appointed rulers are illegitimate unless aligned with His purpose.
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π 2. Jesus as the Rightful King of All
In the New Testament, this theme of God’s kingship is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is explicitly proclaimed as:
✨ The King of Kings
> “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.”
— Revelation 19:16
✨ The Ruler of the Nations
> “He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
— Luke 1:33 (Gabriel to Mary)
> “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
— Matthew 28:18
> “God exalted Him to the highest place… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
— Philippians 2:9–11
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π§ Theological Connection
Hosea 8 shows how human attempts to rule apart from God lead to collapse.
The longing for a true, divinely appointed King is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David, yet also Son of God, who rules not only Israel, but all creation.
The kingship of Christ is not limited to spiritual matters — it's cosmic, eternal, and restorative.
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✅ Summary
Yes, Hosea 8 affirms that the LORD is the only legitimate King, and it critiques the people for taking kingship into their own hands.
And yes, the New Testament clearly and directly dubs Jesus as the true, eternal King — God’s appointed ruler over all nations and time.
Would you like a Scripture meditation or devotional card combining Hosea and Jesus’ kingship?
Here is a devotional card titled “The True King”, combining the message of Hosea 8 and the kingship of Jesus Christ.
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π The True King
A Devotional Reflection on Hosea 8:4 and Matthew 28:18
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π Scripture
> “They set up kings without My consent; they choose princes without My approval.”
— Hosea 8:4 (NIV)
> “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
— Matthew 28:18 (ESV)
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π Reflection
The people of Israel once crowned kings by their own will, chasing after power, politics, and security — but not God. Hosea cries out against this rejection of the true sovereign: the LORD Himself. When people enthrone idols or human schemes, chaos follows. Earthly kings rise and fall, but God’s kingdom stands forever.
Into this longing and rebellion, God sent His Son — not merely a prophet or teacher, but a King. Jesus stood not on a throne of gold, but on a cross. Yet from that place of sacrifice, He rose to declare:
> “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
No vote, no army, no empire established His reign. The Father crowned Him with glory because He laid down His life for us.
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π Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are not only Savior — You are King.
Forgive us when we crown other rulers in our lives: fear, pride, success, or self.
Teach us to bow to You in trust and joy.
Let Your kingdom come in our hearts, our homes, and our world.
Amen.
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π️ Truth to Remember
God alone appoints true authority.
Jesus is the rightful King of all creation.
His reign brings justice, peace, and eternal hope.
> “Long live the King — not by man's decree, but by heaven's will.” πΏ
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Would you like this formatted as a printable 5x7 card or PDF?
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