What does "I am God and not a man" teach about God's nature?

Key Verse

“I will not carry out the full fury of My anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man—the Holy One among you—and I will not come in wrath.” (Hosea 11:9)

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Setting the Scene

Israel has spurned the God who lovingly raised her (Hosea 11:1–8). Righteous judgment is deserved, yet the Lord declares His restraint. Because Scripture is accurate and literal, every word of verse 9 stands as a direct window into who He is.

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What “I Am God and Not a Man” Reveals About God’s Nature

• Transcendence and Otherness

– God is wholly “other,” unrestricted by the frailty, bias, and limitations of humanity (Isaiah 55:8-9).

– He alone is Creator; we are created (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 100:3).

• Perfect Holiness

– He calls Himself “the Holy One among you,” underscoring moral perfection (Isaiah 6:3).

– Holiness sets the standard for sinless justice and pure love (1 John 1:5).

• Immutability

– Unlike people who vacillate, He does not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).

– Promises, covenants, and warnings are rock–solid because His character is fixed (Numbers 23:19).

• Truthfulness and Integrity

– Humans bend truth; God never lies (Titus 1:2).

– Every revelation in Scripture is certain because its Author cannot misrepresent Himself.

• Boundless Compassion

– His mercy supersedes emotion-driven retaliation: “I will not carry out the full fury of My anger.”

– Psalm 103:13-14 echoes the same fatherly pity, yet with divine depth that surpasses human compassion.

• Sovereign Restraint

– Holiness demands judgment, but sovereignty allows Him to temper wrath according to His redemptive plan (2 Peter 3:9).

– The cross ultimately satisfies justice while displaying mercy—something only God, not man, could orchestrate (Romans 3:25-26).

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Living in Light of These Truths

• Worship With Awe

– His unmatched nature calls for reverent adoration (Psalm 96:9).

• Trust His Promises

– He cannot mislead or change His mind; every word stands (Hebrews 6:17-18).

• Rest in His Mercy

– Because His compassion springs from perfect holiness, repentant sinners find real hope (Lamentations 3:22-23).

• Reflect His Character

– As image-bearers, we pursue truthfulness, faithfulness, and mercy, mirroring the God who is “not a man” yet chooses to dwell “among” us (Ephesians 5:1-2).