ESV Reformation Study Bible – Hos 13:5
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Hos 13:5

13:5 I who knew you. Israel is represented in corporate solidarity by the Hebrew singular word for “you.” This form of the pronoun emphasizes the personal nature of God’s covenant relationship with His people. See Introduction: Characteristics and Themes; Gen. 17:7 note.

wilderness. During the difficult wilderness wanderings God knew and was preparing His people. Similarly, God will use the “wilderness” of exile to reclaim Israel (2:14–16).