13:10a
Where is your king now to save you in all your cities: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “where [is] your king then that he may save you in all your cities?” This is a rhetorical question. The implied answer is “Nowhere.” It implies that their king cannot save them. It does not necessarily mean they have no king.
There are textual issues concerning this clause. There is also an interpretation issue. First, the notes will discuss the textual issues:
There is a textual/interpretation issue concerning the word Where :
(1) The LXX and the Peshitta have Where. For example:
Where then is your king, that he may save you in all your cities? (NET Bible)
(2) The Masoretic Text has the word “I_will_be.” For example:
I will be thy king: where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? (King James Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions and commentaries. It also has the support of the BHS editors.
king: The Hebrew word refers to the highest ruler. See Hosea 3:4a.
now: The Hebrew word has various meanings depending on context. Here it strengthens the word “where.” Some versions translate it as “then.” Some versions leave it implied.
to save you: In Hebrew, this phrase is more literally “so that he may save you.” It expresses a wish or intention to save them.
in all your cities: There is a textual issue concerning the phrase in all your cities :
(1) The Masoretic Text has in all your cities. This phrase describes the populated locations in Israel where an enemy attack is most likely to occur.For example:
Where now is your king, to save you in all your cities? (English Standard Version)
(2) Some scholars think that the original text has “to defend you.” For example:
Where are all your princes, to defend you… (Revised Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow option (1). It requires no changes to the Hebrew text.
There is another interpretation issue concerning the phrase in all your cities :
(1) The phrase in all your cities describes where the king should save people. For example:
Where now is your king, that he may save you in all your cities (New American Standard Bible)
(2) The phrase in all your cities describes where the rulers are located. For example:
Where now is your king, that he may save you? Where in all your cities are your rulers (New Revised Standard Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It best follows the syntax of the Masoretic Text.
13:10b
and the rulers: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “and your rulers.” There is an ellipsis of the question word “where” in the Hebrew clause. The question is implied from the first clause. Most versions make the word “where” explicit. For example:
Where are all your rulers— (English Standard Version)
This clause is a rhetorical question. The implied answer is “Nowhere.” It implies that their rulers, whom they requested along with the king, are also unable to save them.
rulers: In Hebrew, this word can mean “judges” or rulers. Here the role of governing is probably in view, not the role of a judge.
13:10c
to whom you said, “Give me a king and princes”?: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “whom you said give to me a king and leaders.”
The direct quote may refer back to the incident in 1 Samuel 8:5, 19, when the people of Israel requested a king. This information should not affect your translation. However, you could add a cross-reference if desired.
In some languages, it may be more natural to use an indirect quote here. For example:
Where are all your rulers, those you wanted when you asked for a king and rulers?
king and princes: In Hebrew, the word princes refers here to any leader, chief, or official who serves in the government of the king. Here the word princes is parallel to “rulers” in 13:10b.
General Comment on 13:10a–c
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine the verse parts. For example:
You asked for a king and for leaders, but how can they save the nation? (Good News Translation)
It some languages, it may be preferable to split the sentence parts into separate lines. For example:
What good is your king? Can he save you in any of your towns? What good are your leaders? You said, ‘Give us a king and leaders.’ (New Century Version)
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