Hosea 12:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

7:21), while Zechariah witnessed Him in a different way (Zech. 1), and Ezekiel, too, recorded a unique vision (Ezek. 1, Ezek. 2). This reveals why God declared: ‘I have multiplied visions,’ meaning He appeared in various forms, adapting to the worthiness of each observer.

This illustrates what I have described as ‘in the hands of the prophetic I shall be likened.’ This serves as a rebuke to Ephraim, for although during the Feast of Tabernacles he had a clear reminder of the Exodus from Egypt, he neglected God and ceased to seek Him. Instead of turning to the prophets and receiving divine visions, he succumbed to the temptations of false prophets who imitated the sacred in their speech and actions.

He refers to the Feast of Tabernacles, celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, which commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Just as I liberated you during that time, allowing you to dwell in tabernacles while you journeyed toward the promised land and the temple, I will now rescue you from tribulation, distress, and impending captivity if you choose to obey My commandments. Through the prophets and various visions, I have represented Myself in human form and have called you to repentance.

Consider the instance where Moses lifted his hands toward heaven to petition for Jesus to prevail over Amalek, symbolizing the mystery of the cross. Think also of Job, who spent three days and three nights in the depths, foreshadowing the Resurrection of our Lord on the third day from the depths of the earth. The prophets often describe visions, such as Ezekiel witnessing the Lord enthroned on the cherubim like a charioteer. Isaiah recounts his vision of the Lord seated on a lofty throne, surrounded by seraphim who called out, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts." Habakkuk stood watch to perceive the beauty in the Saviour's hands, where His hidden power resided. Therefore, the Psalmist declares that he will listen to the voice of the Lord.

It is important to recognize that all prophecy is regarded as a vision in the Scriptures. All people, it is said, heard the voice of the Lord, which is why the prophets were once known as seers. Even those led astray by heretical teachings are urged to turn back to the Lord, who desires their repentance more than the death of the sinner. He has brought them from the darkness and error of paganism, akin to leading them out of Egypt. To prevent them from remembering their sins and repenting too late, He promises to dwell with them again in the wilderness as in the days of the feast. Thus, the significance of baptism is equated with repentance, and they shall find refuge in the churches, often referred to as the bushes of the Saviour, for it is said that those planted in the house of the Lord shall thrive.

Moreover, to clarify for those who mistakenly believe they speak through the Holy Spirit, He asserts: I have spoken to the prophets, not to your leaders; I have multiplied visions, and My prophets, who serve the Church, are those who share My message.

Furthermore, God helps us to grasp that He utilized various revelations, not revealing His essence (which is unseen), but tailoring His manifestations to the listeners’ needs; for He did not reveal Himself in the same manner to all, presenting Himself differently to Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Micah, and prior to that, He revealed Himself in diverse ways to Moses and Abraham.