CRITICAL NOTES.]
Hosea 12:5. Lord] A name which implies constancy, by which God is distinguished and ever remembered (Exodus 3:15; Psalms 135:13).
HOMILETICS
THE MEMORIAL NAME.—Hosea 12:5
When Jacob felt the power of his antagonist he asked, “Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.” To those who neglect what is plain and useful, and pry into things which do not concern them, the revelation is withheld; but to the earnest petitioner God gives blessings and encouragement. Here the name is unfolded in significance and splendour.
I. The name in its absolute perfection. “The Lord.” Jehovah, the true and living God, distinguished from idols, and deserving the homage of his creatures.
1. Lord by creation. Greater proprietary right over us than we have over one another. The Lord our Maker.
2. Lord by redemption. This is a greater claim than creation. He had only to speak to make us; he suffered, gave his Son, to redeem us. “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price.”
3. Lord by choice. His people do not resist his claims, nor serve other gods. They willingly submit to him as their “Master and Lord.”
II. The name in its universal relation. “God of Hosts.” Of all things visible and invisible, of angels and heavenly spirits, of all creation, “the host of heaven and earth” (Genesis 2:1). This indicates—
1. Supreme government. He has all power, directs and sustains all creatures, and rules all things by his own will.
2. Supreme order. “Order is heaven’s first law.” He keeps all things in subordination, and by him all things consist or stand together.
3. Constant obedience. He leads his people, his armies, organized and equipped, like Israel leaving Egypt. He reigns over them, enthroned in affection, and renders their service natural, pleasant, and delightful. “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master” (Malachi 1:6).
4. Continual triumph. The hosts of the Lord are in a state of martial discipline, to contend for the cause and fight the battles of their captain. The cause of truth is a warfare. Christian life is “fighting the good fight of faith.” The world is a foe to the believer, and sin is deadly opposed to holiness. But the Lord God of hosts has omnipotent power and infinite resources. He will rule until all enemies are put under his feet.
III. The name in its continual manifestation. “The Lord is his memorial.” The name Jehovah expresses his nature, and will ever be what it has been, a memorial to men. God is ever to be remembered in his merciful and unchanging attributes (Exodus 3:15). We need no images nor unlawful helps to remind us of God. His works and ways declare his wisdom, truth, and love. He will be to us what he was to Jacob and Moses, and all his people the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. In this name lies a fulness and sufficiency which the exigencies of life will reveal. How little have we known of it in prayer and practical life! Seek to know more, and get hope, strength, and success in Christian work. “Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever, and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations.”
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 12
Hosea 12:5. God. When holy Augustine walked by the sea-side, wrapt in the meditation of God and of his ways, he heard a voice which bade him lade the ocean with a cockle-shell. We may sooner drain the ocean with such a shell, or with a spoon, than the perfections of God with our largest understandings [Caryl]. A king is there where his court is, where his train and retinue are; so God the Lord of Hosts is there specially present where the heavenly guard, the blessed angels, keep their station and rendezvous [Mede].