Hosea 12:10
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Northern Israel received extensive prophetic ministry: Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah spoke God's word. The 'multiplied visions' included various revelation modes: dreams, direct speech, enacted prophecies, written oracles. 'Similitudes' (parables, metaphors, symbolic acts) made truth accessible. Hosea himself used extensive marriage metaphor, agricultural imagery, historical references. Despite this abundant clear communication, Israel persisted in rebellion. This demonstrates that revelation clarity doesn't guarantee reception—hard hearts resist even plainest truth. Jesus similarly taught clearly yet was rejected (John 12:37-40). Church history shows pattern: clearest biblical truth ignored by those preferring darkness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's multiplying visions and similitudes demonstrate His desire to communicate clearly and accessibly?
- What does Israel's rejection despite abundant prophetic revelation teach about human hardness versus revelation clarity?
Analysis & Commentary
Speaking to prophets: 'I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.' God's continuous revelation: דִּבַּרְתִּי (dibbarti, I spoke) through prophets, multiplied חָזוֹן (chazon, visions), used אֲדַמֶּה (adameh, likened/made similitudes) through prophets. This demonstrates divine initiative in communication: God speaking repeatedly, creatively, clearly. No excuse for ignorance—abundant prophetic revelation provided. Yet Israel ignored it all. Only Christ perfectly reveals Father (John 1:18, Hebrews 1:1-3).