the LORD
The term "the LORD" in this context is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," often vocalized as "Yahweh." This is the personal name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. In the conservative Christian perspective, this name underscores God's unchanging and covenantal faithfulness to His people. It is a reminder of His sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers.

is the God of Hosts
The phrase "God of Hosts" is derived from the Hebrew "Elohim Tseva'ot." "Hosts" refers to the armies of heaven, indicating God's supreme command over all celestial and earthly forces. This title emphasizes His omnipotence and His role as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people. Historically, this would have been a source of comfort and assurance to the Israelites, who often faced formidable enemies. For Christians, it is a reminder of God's ultimate authority and His ability to protect and deliver His people from spiritual and physical adversaries.

the LORD is His name of renown
Here, "His name of renown" highlights the reputation and glory associated with God's name. In Hebrew culture, a name was more than a label; it represented one's character and essence. The repetition of "the LORD" in this verse serves to reinforce His identity and the reverence due to Him. This phrase calls believers to recognize and proclaim the greatness of God, whose deeds and character are worthy of praise and honor. It is an invitation to trust in His name, which has been proven faithful throughout history, and to live in a way that reflects His glory to the world.

(5) Lord God of hosts.--See Cheyne's Isaiah, vol. 1, pp. 11, 12, and Nowack's commentary on this passage. Probably the hosts were the stars which were conceived of as celestial spirits standing upon or above Jehovah's throne in Micaiah's vision, on the right hand and on the left (1Kings 22:19). These are to be identified, in all probability, with the sons of God (Genesis 6:2), described in Job 1:6 as presenting themselves in council before Jehovah. In Psalm 103:21 they are described as God's ministers; also in Psalm 104:4, quoted in Hebrews 1:7. . . . Verse 5. - Even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial. Here we have at once a confirmation and a pledge of previous promises. Jacob had wronged Esau, and thereby incurred his displeasure; he had offended God by the injury inflicted on his brother. He is consequently in a position of peril with respect to both God and man; he repented of his sin, and with many and bitter tears supplicated safety - salvation in the highest sense. Jacob, or Israel, in Hosea's time were involved in greater guilt and exposed to greater danger; the same unfailing remedy is recommended to them, and the same way of safety is laid open before them; let them only repent, turn to the Lord, and with tears of genuine sorrow seek his face and favor free; and the prospect would soon brighten before them. The Name of God was a sufficient guarantee: he is Jehovah the Everlasting, and therefore Unchanging One - the same to Jacob's posterity as he had been to the patriarch himself, equally ready to accept their repentance and equally willing to bless them with safety and salvation. He is God of hosts, and thus the Almighty One, governing all creatures, guiding all events, commanding all powers both heavenly and earthly, and ruling the whole history of humanity. His name is a remembrancer of all this, and thus his people were assured that he neither lacks the will nor the power to bless them with all needful blessings, and do them greatest good. The name of an individual is that whereby he is known; on mention of his name the memory of him is recalled. The mention of the Divine Name not only reminds us of his being and Godhead, but recalls to our memory his attributes. Rashi has the following brief comment on this verse: "As I have been from the beginning, so am I now; and if ye had walked with me in uprightness as Jacob our father, I would have dealt with you as dealt with him." Thus to Abram in a land of strangers, imperiled and defenseless, God revealed himself as God Almighty; to Moses, after centuries of unfulfilled promise, he made himself known as the Unchanging One, still challenging the confidence of his people; to Hosea he brings to mind his unchanging counsel in regard to all the events of time and his unlimited control over all the realms of space and their inhabitants, and so the suitability of his attributes to the multiplied necessities and varying circumstances of his people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


the LORD
וַֽיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is the God
אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Hosts—
הַצְּבָא֑וֹת (haṣ·ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is His name of renown.
זִכְרֽוֹ׃ (ziḵ·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2143: A memento, recollection, commemoration


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OT Prophets: Hosea 12:5 Even Yahweh the God of Armies (Ho Hs Hos.)