Hosea 12:5
Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
Even the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
Even the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 5
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַצְּבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
H6635
הַצְּבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
3 of 5
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
Cross References
Exodus 3:15And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.Psalms 135:13Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
Historical Context
The title 'YHWH God of hosts' emphasizes divine sovereignty over armies—both heavenly (angels) and earthly (nations). Used extensively in prophets, it stresses God's power to execute judgment and deliverance. The 'memorial' language recalls Exodus 3:15: 'this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.' Hosea reminds Israel: the God who spoke to Jacob is YHWH sovereign over all powers. Archaeological inscriptions show 'YHWH of hosts' (or 'YHWH Sabaoth') in ancient Hebrew texts. This demonstrates that God's revealed name connects His character, power, and covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the title 'YHWH God of hosts' reveal about divine sovereignty over all powers?
- How does 'YHWH is his memorial' emphasize God's covenant faithfulness across generations?
Analysis & Commentary
YHWH of hosts: 'Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.' The declaration: וַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הַצְּבָאוֹת יְהוָה זִכְרוֹ (vaYHWH Elohei hatsevaot YHWH zikhro—YHWH God of hosts, YHWH His memorial/name). This emphasizes covenant name (YHWH) and sovereign power (hosts). The זֵכֶר (zeker, memorial/name) is YHWH—His character revealed through covenant history. This demonstrates that God's identity is bound to His redemptive acts and covenant faithfulness. Only through Christ is God's name fully revealed (John 17:6).