Hosea 12:5

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Hosea 12:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “even Jehovah, the God of hosts; Jehovah is his memorial [name].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

even Jehovah, the God of hosts; Jehovah is his memorial [name].
Hosea 12:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Hosea 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5even Jehovah, the God of hosts; Jehovah is his memorial [name].

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Even the Lord God of hosts, etc.] The God Jacob had power over, the Angel he prevailed with, to whom he made supplication with weeping, and who spake with him and his in Bethel, is he whose name is Jehovah; who is the true and living God, the Lord of hosts and armies both in heaven and in earth; of all the angels in heaven, and the legions of them; and of the church militant, and all the saints, who are the good soldiers of Christ, his spiritual militia; and he is the Captain of the Lord’s host, and of their salvation, and to whom all the numerous hosts of creatures, be they what they will, are subject: this is observed, to set off the greatness of the person Jacob wrestled with, and his…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Lord God--JEHOVAH, a name implying His immutable constancy to His promises. From the Hebrew root, meaning "existence." "He that is, was, and is to be," always the same (Heb 13:8; Rev 1:4, Rev 1:8; compare Exo 3:14-15; Exo 6:3). As He was unchangeable in His favor to Jacob, so will He be to His believing posterity. of hosts--which Israel foolishly worshipped. Jehovah has all the hosts (saba) or powers of heaven and earth at His command, so that He is as all-powerful, as He is faithful, to fulfil His promises (Psa 135:6; Amo 5:27). memorial--the name expressive of the character in which God was ever to be remembered (Psa 135:13).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Even the Lord God of Hosts, the Lord is His memorial - The word, here as translated and written Lord, is the special and, so to say, the proper Name of God, that which He gave to Himself, and which declares His Being. God Himself authoritatively explained its meaning. When Moses inquired of Him, what he should say to Israel, when they should ask him, “what is the Name of the God of their fathers,” who, he was to tell them, had sent him to them, “God said ... I Am That I Am ... thus shalt thou say, I Am” (EHYeH) “hath sent me unto you; and God said again unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord” (literally, He is, YeHeWeH , “God of your fathers, the God of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Lord God of hosts - He that appeared and spake, who promised the blessing and commanded the reformation at Beth - el was Jehovah, the eternal and unchangeable God; who can perform his promise, and execute his threat, who is a most terrible enemy, and most desirable friend. The Lord - Jehovah, repeated for confirmation. His memorial - By this he will be known. Hosea 12:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Even: Gen 28:16, Gen 32:30 is: Exo 3:15; Psa 135:13; Isa 42:8 Hosea 12:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification