They; Israel, the prevailing faction among them in Hosea's time. Have set up kings; Shallum, Menahem, Pekah, and Hoshea, who usurped the throne. But not by me; not by my direction, or with my approbation; they neither prayed his blessing nor asked his leave. And this may be applied to the very first founding of the kingdom of Israel, divided from the house of David. They have made princes; rulers and magistrates, or nobles. And I knew it not: he that will not approve any one evil, when his omniscience discerns all, is pleased to say he knew not what he did not approve. They made them idols; heathen like, they have made them gods, and set up idolatry, so have perverted all in church and state settled by me. That they may be cut off; as if they were resolved to cut themselves off from being a people. By this they thought to establish themselves, but it will be quite contrary, these sins will be their ruin.
Related Commentaries of Hosea 8:4
Hosea 8:4
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.