12:5

In this verse, Hosea reminds the people of Israel that it is Yahweh who spoke with Jacob at Bethel. Here are some possible reasons for this reminder:

(a) Like their ancestor Jacob, they were the people of Yahweh, and they were obligated to serve him.

(b) The people should not confuse Yahweh with the idols that they worshiped.

(c) Yahweh has power and authority over all things on earth and in heaven. For this reason, the people should be confident in him and should do what Hosea urges them to do in 12:6.

12:5a

the LORD is the God of Hosts: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “and Yahweh the God of (the) hosts.” The first word “and” in the Hebrew phrase connects it to the previous verse. Some versions leave this connection to the previous verse implied. Some other versions make the connection clear. For example:

even the Lord… (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
This was the Lord… (Good News Translation)
-or-
yes, Yahweh… (New Jerusalem Bible)

Indicate the connection of this phrase to the previous verse in a natural way in your language.

The Hebrew word for “hosts” means “armies.” In this phrase, the word “armies” could refer to armies of angels in heaven, or to human armies on earth, or to both.

The phrase includes two different words for God, Yahweh and ʾelohim (God). Try to include both words for God in your translation if possible.

This phrase is used as a title. Here are some acceptable ways to translate this title:

• Translate it literally. For example:

The Lord the God of Hosts (Revised English Bible)

• Translate the title as a clause. For example:

The LORD is the God of Armies (God’s Word)

• Make explicit the implied meaning of great power. For example:

The Lord God Almighty (NET Bible)
-or-
The Lord God All-Powerful (New Century Version)
-or-
The Almighty LORD God

12:5b

the LORD is His name of renown: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “Yahweh his remembrance.” The Hebrew word for “remembrance” means “memorial, by which one is remembered.” Here are three acceptable translation options:

• Translate “remembrance” as name. For example:

the Lord is his name (New Living Translation (2004))

• Make the greatness/power of the LORD explicit as well as name. For example:

the Lord is his great name (New Century Version)

• Translate both “remembrance” and name. For example:

the Lord is the name by which he is remembered ! (NET Bible)

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