Hosea 12:13
New International Version
The LORD used a prophet to bring Israel up from Egypt, by a prophet he cared for him.

New Living Translation
Then by a prophet the LORD brought Jacob’s descendants out of Egypt; and by that prophet they were protected.

English Standard Version
By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.

Berean Standard Bible
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.

Berean Literal Bible
And by a prophet YHWH brought up Israel from Egypt, and by a prophet he was kept.

King James Bible
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

New King James Version
By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, And by a prophet he was preserved.

New American Standard Bible
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, And by a prophet he was protected.

NASB 1995
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel from Egypt, And by a prophet he was kept.

NASB 1977
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel from Egypt, And by a prophet he was kept.

Legacy Standard Bible
But by a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up from Egypt, And by a prophet he was kept.

Amplified Bible
And by a prophet (Moses) the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, And by a prophet Israel was preserved.

Berean Annotated Bible
But by a prophet the LORD {YHWH} brought Israel (he wrestles with God) out of Egypt (land of bondage), and by a prophet he was preserved.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD brought Israel from Egypt by a prophet, and Israel was tended by a prophet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD brought Israel from Egypt by a prophet, and Israel was tended by a prophet.

American Standard Version
And by a prophet Jehovah brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

Contemporary English Version
I sent the prophet Moses to lead Israel from Egypt and to keep them safe.

English Revised Version
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD used a prophet to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt. He used a prophet to take care of them.

Good News Translation
The LORD sent a prophet to rescue the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt and to take care of them.

International Standard Version
"By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was rescued.

NET Bible
The LORD brought Israel out of Egypt by a prophet, and due to a prophet Israel was preserved alive.

New Heart English Bible
By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.

Webster's Bible Translation
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.

World English Bible
By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And by a prophet has YHWH brought up Israel out of Egypt, "" And by a prophet it has been watched.

Berean Literal Bible
And by a prophet YHWH brought up Israel from Egypt, and by a prophet he was kept.

Young's Literal Translation
And by a prophet hath Jehovah brought up Israel out of Egypt, And by a prophet it hath been watched.

Smith's Literal Translation
And by a prophet Jehovah brought up Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was The hard copy spelling records the following as: perservedpreserved.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the Lord by a prophet brought Israel out of Egypt: and he was pre- served by a prophet.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Yet by a prophet the Lord led Israel out of Egypt, and he was served by a prophet.

New American Bible
But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet Israel was tended.

New Revised Standard Version
By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And by the prophets the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by the prophets was he preserved.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And by the Prophets LORD JEHOVAH brought up Israel from Egypt and by the Prophets it was preserved
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel up out of Egypt, And by a prophet was he kept.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord brought Israel out of the land of Egypt by a prophet, and by a prophet was he preserve.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Reproof of Ephraim, Judah, Jacob
12Jacob fled to the land of Aram and Israel worked for a wife—for a wife he tended sheep. 13But by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was preserved. 14Ephraim has provoked bitter anger, so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt upon him and repay him for his contempt.…

Cross References
But by a prophet

Exodus 7:1-2
The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. / You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.

Deuteronomy 18:15-18
The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. / This is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God or see this great fire anymore, so that we will not die!” / Then the LORD said to me, “They have spoken well. …

Numbers 12:6-8
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. / But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. / I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt,

Exodus 12:51
And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.

Deuteronomy 26:8
Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders.

Psalm 105:37
He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled.
and by a prophet he was preserved.

Deuteronomy 1:31-33
and in the wilderness, where the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way by which you traveled until you reached this place.” / But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD your God, / who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Psalm 77:20
You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 14:19-20
Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people, in keeping with the greatness of Your loving devotion, just as You have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” / “I have pardoned them as you requested,” the LORD replied.
Exodus 3:10
Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Exodus 14:30-31
That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore. / When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

Deuteronomy 34:10-12
Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face— / no prophet who did all the signs and wonders that the LORD sent Moses to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and to all his officials and all his land, / and no prophet who performed all the mighty acts of power and awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Psalm 105:26
He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen.

Isaiah 63:11-12
Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, / who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown,

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Micah 6:4
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses before you, as well as Aaron and Miriam.


Treasury of Scripture

And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.

Hosea 13:4,5
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…

Exodus 12:50,51
Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they…

Exodus 13:3
And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

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Cared Egypt Israel Kept Preserved Prophet Safe Used Watched
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Cared Egypt Israel Kept Preserved Prophet Safe Used Watched
Hosea 12
1. A reproof of Ephraim, Judah, and Jacob.
3. By former favors he exhorts to repentance.
7. Ephraim's sins provoke God.












But by a prophet
In the biblical narrative, prophets are chosen by God to deliver His messages and guide His people. The reference here is to Moses, who is considered one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history. Moses was instrumental in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, acting as God's mouthpiece. Prophets in the Old Testament often served as intermediaries between God and His people, providing guidance, warnings, and revelations. This highlights the importance of prophetic leadership in God's plan for His people.

the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt
This phrase refers to the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Exodus is a central theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing salvation and deliverance. It is a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The event is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover. Theologically, the Exodus prefigures the ultimate deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

and by a prophet he was preserved
This part of the verse emphasizes the role of the prophet in sustaining and guiding the people after their deliverance. Moses not only led the Israelites out of Egypt but also guided them through the wilderness, providing them with God's laws and instructions. The preservation of Israel through the wilderness journey is a testament to God's ongoing provision and care. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's word as delivered through His prophets. This preservation can be seen as a type of Christ, who preserves and sustains His followers through His teachings and the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Prophet
Refers to Moses, who was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The role of a prophet is significant in conveying God's messages and executing His plans.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who orchestrates the deliverance and preservation of His people through His chosen servants.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, representing His people who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and preserved through the guidance of prophets.

4. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing sin and oppression.

5. Preservation
The ongoing protection and guidance provided by God through His prophets, ensuring the spiritual and physical well-being of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Role of Prophets
Prophets are God's chosen instruments to lead, guide, and preserve His people. They are vital in communicating God's will and ensuring His plans are fulfilled.

God's Faithfulness
The deliverance and preservation of Israel highlight God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust in God's commitment to His covenant.

Deliverance from Bondage
Just as Israel was delivered from Egypt, believers are delivered from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. This deliverance requires faith and obedience.

Preservation through Obedience
God's preservation often involves following His guidance through His Word and His messengers. Obedience to God's instructions is crucial for spiritual preservation.

The Ultimate Prophet
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophetic role, providing ultimate deliverance and preservation for all who believe in Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Hosea 12:13?

2. How does Hosea 12:13 highlight God's guidance through prophets for Israel's deliverance?

3. What role did Moses play as a prophet in Israel's journey from Egypt?

4. How can we recognize and follow God's guidance through spiritual leaders today?

5. Compare Hosea 12:13 with Exodus 3:10. How does God use prophets similarly?

6. How can we apply the principle of divine guidance in our daily decisions?

7. How does Hosea 12:13 relate to the role of prophets in guiding Israel?

8. What does Hosea 12:13 reveal about God's use of prophets for deliverance?

9. How does Hosea 12:13 emphasize the importance of obedience to God's messengers?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hosea 12?

11. What generation does Israel belong to?

12. Hosea 12:9: Is there any historical record of Israel returning to a nomadic lifestyle in tents after the Exodus period?

13. Psalm 87:5 - If Zion is divinely established, why do other ancient texts suggest multiple rival religious centers during that era?

14. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence indicating that Hosea's marriage to Gomer, as described in Hosea 3, actually took place?
What Does Hosea 12:13 Mean
But by a prophet

– God chose to work through a human mouthpiece, underscoring His pattern of revealing Himself and guiding His people through chosen servants (Numbers 12:6–8).

– Moses stands as the primary fulfillment of this phrase; he spoke God’s words to Pharaoh and to Israel (Exodus 3:10; Deuteronomy 18:15).

– The phrase reminds Israel that their deliverance was not self-achieved but initiated by God’s sovereign call through a prophet (Acts 7:35).


the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt

• The exodus is presented as literal history: “The LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt like an army” (Exodus 12:51).

• God’s personal name (YHWH, rendered “the LORD”) highlights His covenant faithfulness first promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) and confirmed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14-17).

• Hosea points backward to remind his contemporaries: the same God who rescued their ancestors still calls for covenant loyalty (Hosea 11:1; Jude 1:5).


and by a prophet he was preserved

– After the Red Sea, Moses continued shepherding Israel—interceding during battles (Exodus 17:9-13), receiving law at Sinai (Exodus 24:12), and pleading for mercy after the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14).

– “He was preserved” stresses God’s ongoing protection, not merely a one-time rescue (Nehemiah 9:19-21).

– Preservation came through prophetic leadership, foreshadowing how God would later protect through other prophets like Samuel (1 Samuel 3:20; 12:23) and Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-39).

– Hosea’s point: if past generations survived by heeding prophetic word, present Israel risks ruin by rejecting it (Hosea 12:10; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16).


summary

Hosea 12:13 roots Israel’s identity in a historical deliverance orchestrated “by a prophet,” emphasizing God’s personal involvement and covenant faithfulness. The same God who literally led them out of Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness still speaks through His prophets. Remembering that heritage calls every generation to listen, obey, and trust the Lord who both delivers and preserves.

(13) A prophet.--Moses is here referred to, and there is, perhaps, a hint that the Lord would yet again save Israel from worse than Egyptian bondage by the words and warnings of a prophet.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But by a prophet
וּבְנָבִ֕יא (ū·ḇə·nā·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

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

brought
הֶעֱלָ֧ה (he·‘ĕ·lāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

out of Egypt,
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם (mim·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

and by a prophet
וּבְנָבִ֖יא (ū·ḇə·nā·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

he was preserved.
נִשְׁמָֽר׃ (niš·mār)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to


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OT Prophets: Hosea 12:13 By a prophet Yahweh brought Israel up (Ho Hs Hos.)
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