Hosea 12:9

And I [that am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast.

And I that am the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} will yet make thee to dwell {H3427} in tabernacles {H168}, as in the days {H3117} of the solemn feast {H4150}.

"But I am ADONAI your God, from the land of Egypt. Again I will make you live in tents, as in the days of the established festival.

But I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt. I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast.

But I am Jehovah thy God from the land of Egypt; I will yet again make thee to dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.

Commentary

Context

Hosea 12 finds the prophet Hosea addressing the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), rebuking them for their pervasive idolatry, deceit, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on the LORD. Despite their unfaithfulness and spiritual prostitution, God reminds them of His unwavering identity and His historical act of delivering them from Egypt. This particular verse offers a glimpse of future restoration or a return to a state of humble dependence, echoing the significant period of their wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • God's Enduring Identity and Faithfulness: The powerful assertion "I [that am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt" serves as a foundational reminder of God's eternal nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. It emphasizes His miraculous deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt, highlighting His consistent character as their Redeemer and Provider.
  • Remembrance and Humility: The promise or command to "will yet make thee to dwell in tabernacles, as in the days of the solemn feast" directly references the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This feast was instituted to prompt Israel to remember their forty years in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters, where they were utterly dependent on God for everything. This imagery points to a future state of renewed humility and dependence, perhaps after a period of judgment or exile, recalling their foundational days with God.
  • Promise of Restoration and Renewed Dependence: While some interpretations see the dwelling in tabernacles as a return to an exiled state, the phrase "will yet make thee to dwell" can also carry a nuance of hopeful restoration. It suggests that God will bring His people back to a place where they experience His direct provision and presence, much like the intimate, dependent relationship they shared during the wilderness wanderings. It signifies a return to a right relationship where God is their sole source of security and dwelling.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tabernacles" is sukkot (Χ‘Φ»Χ›ΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧͺ), which literally means "booths" or "temporary shelters." The "solemn feast" refers specifically to the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, one of Israel's three annual pilgrimage festivals. This joyous celebration commemorated God's provision and dwelling among His people during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. The imagery here evokes a return to a simpler, more dependent way of life, reminiscent of that foundational period of Israel's national history.

Related Scriptures

  • The institution and purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles are detailed in Leviticus 23:34-43, where its connection to the wilderness dwelling is explicitly stated.
  • The theme of God's enduring faithfulness despite His people's unfaithfulness is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, powerfully articulated in Malachi 3:6: "For I am the LORD, I change not."
  • The concept of God bringing His people back to a state of humble dependence and renewed relationship after judgment is also echoed in prophetic passages such as Ezekiel 20:35.

Practical Application

Hosea 12:9 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Unchanging Nature: This verse reminds us that God's identity as our Deliverer and Provider is constant. Just as He was faithful to Israel, He remains faithful to us, and we can trust in His unwavering character regardless of our circumstances.
  • Remembering Our Spiritual "Wilderness": We are called to remember times when God faithfully provided for us, especially during periods of difficulty, vulnerability, or when we felt most dependent. This fosters gratitude and a humble reliance on Him.
  • Living in Dependence: The imagery of dwelling in temporary shelters encourages a posture of dependence on God, rather than relying on our own strength, wisdom, or worldly securities. It reminds us that our true security and provision are found only in Him.
  • Hope in Restoration: Even when we stray from God's path, this verse, with its promise to "yet make thee to dwell," offers profound hope for spiritual restoration and renewed intimacy with Him, provided we turn back to Him in repentance and humility.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:40

    And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

  • Leviticus 23:43

    That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Nehemiah 8:15

    And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as [it is] written.

  • Nehemiah 8:17

    And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

  • Hosea 13:4

    Yet I [am] the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for [there is] no saviour beside me.

  • 2 Samuel 7:2

    That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.

  • Exodus 20:2

    I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
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