Readers have to wait until Hosea 3:5 before knowing for sure that this is “David their king,” or more accurately, the promise of a king who would come in the line of David (2 Samuel 7:14). The New Testament identifies Jesus of Nazareth as the realization of this messianic promise to Israel (Mark 1:1, Mark 1:14–15, Romans 1:3), the One who brings unity to all things (Ephesians 1:10). In Hosea’s time, the language of one head
communicates peace and unity among the people of God.1 Gone are the days of divided leadership. We should not make too much of them appointing this leader, since it likewise speaks to the key point that there will be no disagreement, but unanimity.2 Another indication that this is a fitting promise of restoration is the way it contrasts sharply with their present experience. The kings of Israel have been dismal failures, leading the nation without regard for God’s covenant laws. These dynamics all work together to point them toward the future with messianic hope and anticipation.
11 And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint for themselves one head. And they shall go up from the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel.