en_tn/hos/10/03.md

Hosea is speaking about Israel.

And a king—what could he do for us?

The writer uses this question to imply that even if Israel had a king, it would do them no good because they have turned away from Yahweh (their true king) and worshiped idols. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

They speak empty words

This means that what they say cannot be trusted. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

So justice springs up

This means that they will receive their deserved punishment. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field.

Hosea is comparing their form of justice to poisonous weeds. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)