Hosea 13:5
I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.
Original Language Analysis
יְדַעְתִּ֖יךָ
I did know
H3045
יְדַעְתִּ֖יךָ
I did know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 5
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
thee in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
thee in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 5
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:10He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.Deuteronomy 2:7For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.Deuteronomy 8:15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Psalms 142:3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.Psalms 63:1O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;Exodus 2:25And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.Nahum 1:7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Psalms 31:7I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
Historical Context
Wilderness wandering (40 years, circa 1446-1406 BC) established pattern: total divine dependence. No agriculture, no water sources, no cities - complete reliance on God's provision. This should have created permanent gratitude and trust. Yet prosperity in Canaan produced forgetfulness (Hosea 13:6). The pattern recurs: abundance makes people forget dependence. Modern application: remembering God's faithful provision during difficult times strengthens faith during prosperity. Maintaining gratitude regardless of circumstances prevents prideful self-sufficiency. Spiritual disciplines of remembrance (communion, thanksgiving, testimony) combat forgetfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God knowing me in wilderness (providing during spiritual drought) create foundation for present trust?
- What practices of remembrance help me maintain gratitude during prosperity, preventing forgetful pride?
Analysis & Commentary
I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. God knew (yada - intimate covenant knowledge) Israel in wilderness - provided for them in barren place. This recalls manna, water from rock, protection during 40 years. Great drought emphasizes total dependence - no natural resources, only divine provision sustained them. Yet they forgot this (v. 6), becoming proud in prosperity. This demonstrates dangerous forgetfulness: comfort erases memory of dependence. Deuteronomy 8:11-14 warned against this. Only continual remembrance of God's past faithfulness sustains present gratitude and future trust.