◄ Hosea 1 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Hosea’s Wife and Children 1This is the word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Jehoash,a king of Israel. 2When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He told him, “Go, take a prostitute as your wife and have children of adultery, because this land is flagrantly prostituting itself by departing from the LORD.” 3So Hosea went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him Jezreel,b for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5And on that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.” 6Gomer again conceived and gave birth to a daughter, and the LORD said to Hosea, “Name her Lo-ruhamah,c for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I should ever forgive them. 7Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.” 8After she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, Gomer conceived and gave birth to a son. 9And the LORD said, “Name him Lo-ammi,d for you are not My people, and I am not your God.e 10Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’f 11Then the people of Judah and of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and will go up out of the land. For great will be the day of Jezreel. Footnotes: 1 a Hebrew Joash, a variant of Jehoash 4 b Jezreel means God sows; also in verse 11. 6 c Lo-ruhamah means she has not received mercy. 9 d Lo-ammi means not My people. 9 e Hebrew I am not yours 10 f Cited in Romans 9:26 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Hosea 1 Summary Hosea's Wife and Children Verse 1 – The Setting and Call Hosea, son of Beeri, receives the word of the LORD during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel—a time of political strength but spiritual decay. Verses 2–3 – Marriage Command and Obedience God instructs Hosea to marry “a woman of promiscuity,” symbolizing Israel’s unfaithfulness; Hosea obeys and takes Gomer, daughter of Diblaim. Verses 4–5 – First Child: Jezreel Their first son is named Jezreel, foreshadowing the impending judgment on the house of Jehu and the military downfall of Israel at the Valley of Jezreel. Verses 6–7 – Second Child: Lo-ruhamah A daughter is born—Lo-ruhamah, “No Mercy.” God announces He will no longer show compassion to the northern kingdom, yet He will still spare Judah “by the LORD their God.” Verses 8–9 – Third Child: Lo-ammi A second son arrives—Lo-ammi, “Not My People,” representing the broken covenant relationship; Israel has forfeited its privileged identity. Verses 10–11 – Future Restoration Despite the stern warnings, God promises that Israel’s numbers will soar “like the sand of the sea,” they will be called “Sons of the Living God,” and Judah and Israel will unite under one leader in a future day of renewal. Hosea 1, a chapter from the Old Testament's Minor Prophets, commences the narrative of God's command to the prophet Hosea to marry a promiscuous woman, Gomer. This perplexing directive sets the stage for a powerful metaphor representing God's relationship with Israel, illustrating a tale of relentless divine love in the face of repeated human unfaithfulness. Historical Setting: Eighth-Century Israel and Judah • The lengthy reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) saw territorial expansion (2 Kings 14:25-27) and economic prosperity, yet Amos and Hosea reveal moral collapse and idolatry. • Assyria’s rise loomed. Within three decades of Hosea’s early ministry, Tiglath-Pileser III began raids; Samaria would fall in 722 BC. • Judah, under Uzziah and successors, fared slightly better but faced the same pull toward idolatry (2 Kings 15–16). Archaeological Insights • Excavations at Samaria show ivory inlay fragments (cf. Amos 3:15) and lavish architecture matching Hosea’s criticism of luxurious corruption (Hosea 8:14). • The Valley of Jezreel—broad, fertile, and strategic—has layers of destruction strata from the Assyrian campaigns that fulfill the prophecy tied to Hosea’s firstborn’s name. Prophetic Symbolism of Hosea’s Family 1. Marriage to Gomer: a living parable of God’s covenant with an unfaithful people. 2. Children’s names: divine telegrams—Jezreel (Judgment), Lo-ruhamah (Withdrawal of Compassion), Lo-ammi (Broken Relationship). 3. Immediate obedience: Hosea’s swift compliance underlines that the prophet’s life is inseparable from his message (cf. Ezekiel sign-acts). Covenant Faithfulness vs. Religious Formality • Israel kept external rituals (Hosea 6:6) but violated loyalty (Exodus 20:3). • Hosea’s refrain “knowledge of God” means relational fidelity, not mere information (cf. Jeremiah 9:23-24). • The children’s ominous names contrast with future reversal—“Great is the day of Jezreel!” (1:11)—showing God’s discipline aims at restoration, not annihilation. Grace in Judgment: Cross-Scriptural Links • “Not My People / My People” theme echoes Exodus 6:7; 1 Peter 2:10 applies Hosea’s promise to believers in Christ. • Paul cites Hosea 1:10 in Romans 9:25 to illustrate Gentile inclusion, underscoring the wideness of God’s mercy. • The promised single leader (1:11) anticipates the Davidic Messiah (Isaiah 11:1; Ezekiel 34:23). Character Study: Hosea the Prophet • Name means “Salvation,” akin to Joshua and Jesus (Yeshua). • His tender language—“How can I give you up?” (Hosea 11:8)—reveals God’s heart more than His wrath. • Hosea blends courtroom indictment, husbandly lament, and fatherly compassion—unique among the prophets. Practical Applications Today • God pursues people even when they break faith; He disciplines but does not discard. • Religious activity without loyalty grieves Him; sincerity matters more than ceremony. • Hope is anchored in God’s promise, not human reform: restoration is His initiative. Christological Foreshadowing • The unfaithful wife prefigures humanity’s need; the faithful husband prefigures Christ’s redeeming love (Ephesians 5:25-27). • The shift from “Not My People” to “My People” is fulfilled in the new covenant sealed by Jesus’ blood (Luke 22:20). • The united kingdom under “one head” anticipates Christ gathering Jews and Gentiles into one flock (John 10:16). Timeline Snapshot • c. 755 BC: Hosea begins ministry. • 734 BC: Syro-Ephraimite crisis—Assyria invades. • 722 BC: Fall of Samaria; Lo-ruhamah realized. • Yet the promise of restoration points forward to both the post-exilic return (Ezra 1) and the Messianic age (Acts 3:21). Key Takeaways 1. God speaks through real-life actions, not just words. 2. Judgment is purposeful, aiming at repentance and renewal. 3. The covenant account moves from brokenness to belonging, anchored in God’s unchanging love. Connections to Additional Scriptures God's Covenant Love Explore Deuteronomy 7:9, which emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant and love for those who keep His commandments. Repentance and Forgiveness Reflect on 1 John 1:9, which assures us of God's forgiveness when we confess our sins. Restoration and Hope Consider Romans 9:25-26, where Paul references Hosea to illustrate God's inclusion of the Gentiles and His plan for restoration. Teaching Points Hosea's Calling Hosea 1:2 states, When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He said to him, 'Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD.' This command highlights the radical nature of Hosea's prophetic mission, symbolizing Israel's spiritual adultery. Symbolic Marriage Hosea's marriage to Gomer represents God's covenant relationship with Israel. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His people, illustrating His enduring love and desire for their repentance and restoration. Children as Prophetic Signs The names of Hosea's children—Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi—carry significant prophetic messages. Jezreel signifies impending judgment, Lo-Ruhamah (not loved) indicates the withdrawal of God's mercy, and Lo-Ammi (not my people) reflects the broken relationship between God and Israel. God's Judgment and Mercy Despite the harsh pronouncements, Hosea 1:10 offers hope: Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' This verse foreshadows God's plan for redemption and restoration. Practical Applications Faithfulness in Relationships Just as Hosea was called to remain faithful to Gomer, we are called to demonstrate faithfulness in our relationships, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to us. Repentance and Restoration Recognize areas of unfaithfulness in your life and seek God's forgiveness and restoration, trusting in His mercy and love. Hope in God's Promises Even in times of judgment or discipline, hold onto the hope of God's promises for redemption and restoration, as He is always working towards our ultimate good. People 1. Hosea Hosea is the prophet to whom the word of the LORD came. His name in Hebrew, הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshea), means "salvation." He is called to deliver God's message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 2. Gomer Gomer is the wife of Hosea, whom God instructs him to marry. Her name in Hebrew, גֹּמֶר (Gomer), is associated with "completion" or "consumption." She is described as a "wife of harlotry," symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness to God. 3. Jezreel Jezreel is the first son of Hosea and Gomer. His name in Hebrew, יִזְרְעֶאל (Yizre'el), means "God sows." The name is significant as it symbolizes the impending judgment on the house of Jehu and the kingdom of Israel. 4. Lo-Ruhamah Lo-Ruhamah is the daughter of Hosea and Gomer. Her name in Hebrew, לֹא רֻחָמָה (Lo-Ruhamah), means "not loved" or "not pitied." This name signifies God's withdrawal of mercy from the house of Israel. 5. Lo-Ammi Lo-Ammi is the second son of Hosea and Gomer. His name in Hebrew, לֹא עַמִּי (Lo-Ammi), means "not my people." This name represents the broken relationship between God and Israel due to their disobedience. Places 1. Israel In Hosea 1:1, the word of the LORD comes to Hosea during the reigns of several kings of Judah and Israel. The name "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el) refers to the northern kingdom, which is the primary focus of Hosea's prophetic message. The name itself means "God contends" or "He struggles with God," reflecting the nation's tumultuous relationship with God. 2. Jezreel Mentioned in Hosea 1:4, Jezreel (יִזְרְעֶאל, Yizre'el) is both a city and a valley in the northern kingdom of Israel. The name means "God sows" or "May God give seed." It is significant in Hosea's prophecy as a place of judgment, where God will "break the bow of Israel" due to the bloodshed associated with the house of Jehu. Events 1. The Word of the LORD Comes to Hosea The book begins with the statement that the word of the LORD came to Hosea, the son of Beeri, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Joash, king of Israel. This sets the historical context for Hosea's prophetic ministry. The Hebrew term for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) signifies a message or communication from God. 2. God Commands Hosea to Marry a Prostitute The LORD instructs Hosea to take a wife of prostitution and have children of unfaithfulness, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Hebrew word for "prostitute" (זְנוּנִים, ^zenunim^) indicates infidelity and idolatry, reflecting Israel's spiritual adultery. 3. Hosea Marries Gomer Hosea obeys God's command and marries Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. This marriage serves as a living parable of Israel's relationship with God. 4. Birth of Jezreel Gomer conceives and bears a son, and the LORD instructs Hosea to name him Jezreel, for God will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel and put an end to the kingdom of Israel. The name "Jezreel" (יִזְרְעֶאל, ^Yizre'el^) means "God sows" and signifies both judgment and future hope. 5. Birth of Lo-Ruhamah Gomer conceives again and bears a daughter. The LORD tells Hosea to name her Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "not loved" or "no mercy," indicating that God will no longer show love to the house of Israel. The Hebrew name (לֹא רֻחָמָה, ^Lo-Ruhamah^) underscores the withdrawal of divine compassion. 6. Birth of Lo-Ammi After Gomer weans Lo-Ruhamah, she conceives and bears another son. The LORD instructs Hosea to name him Lo-Ammi, meaning "not my people," for Israel is no longer God's people, and He is not their God. The name (לֹא עַמִּי, ^Lo-Ammi^) reflects the severed covenant relationship. Lessons from Hosea 1 1. God's Unfailing Love In the book of Hosea, we see a vivid portrayal of God's unwavering love for His people, even when they stray. Hosea's marriage to Gomer symbolizes God's relationship with Israel, demonstrating that His love is steadfast and enduring. As Hosea 1:2 states, "Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is committing blatant acts of prostitution by forsaking the LORD." This teaches us that no matter how far we wander, God's love remains constant, calling us back to Him. 2. The Consequences of Unfaithfulness Hosea's story is a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences. Just as Israel faced repercussions for their unfaithfulness, we too must be mindful of the paths we choose. Hosea 1:4 warns, "Call him Jezreel, because soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu." This serves as a cautionary tale that turning away from God leads to inevitable consequences, urging us to remain faithful. 3. The Power of Redemption Despite the grim circumstances, Hosea's narrative is ultimately one of redemption. God's promise to restore Israel is a testament to His grace and mercy. Hosea 1:10 offers hope: "Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted." This illustrates that no matter how dire our situation, God is always ready to redeem and restore us. 4. The Importance of Obedience Hosea's obedience to God's difficult command highlights the importance of following God's will, even when it seems challenging. His willingness to marry Gomer, despite her unfaithfulness, shows that obedience to God is paramount. Hosea 1:3 states, "So he went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son." This encourages us to trust in God's plan, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. 5. The Call to Repentance Hosea's message is a clarion call to repentance. The book urges us to turn away from sin and return to God with sincere hearts. Hosea 1:6 says, "Call her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I should ever forgive them." This serves as a reminder that repentance is essential for receiving God's forgiveness and compassion. 6. God's Sovereignty Throughout Hosea, we see God's sovereignty at work. He is in control of all things, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. Hosea 1:7 reassures us, "Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will deliver them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God." This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He holds the world in His hands. 7. The Role of Prophets Hosea's life underscores the vital role of prophets in conveying God's message to His people. Prophets are chosen to speak truth and guide us back to righteousness. Hosea 1:1 introduces the prophet's mission: "The word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Jehoash, king of Israel." This highlights the importance of heeding God's messengers in our lives. 8. The Symbolism of Names The names given to Hosea's children carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting Israel's spiritual state. Each name serves as a prophetic message from God. Hosea 1:9 declares, "Call him Lo-Ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God." This teaches us to pay attention to the messages God communicates through various means, including names and symbols. 9. The Promise of Restoration Despite the judgment pronounced, Hosea offers a promise of future restoration. God's covenant with His people remains unbroken, and He promises to restore them. Hosea 1:11 proclaims, "The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel." This assures us that God's plans for us are ultimately for our good. 10. The Hope of Salvation Hosea's story points to the ultimate hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as God promised to restore Israel, He offers us salvation through His Son. Hosea 1:10 foreshadows this hope: "In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.'" This reminds us that through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family, receiving the gift of eternal life. Topics 1. Introduction and Context (Hosea 1:1) The book begins by establishing the historical context, noting that Hosea's prophetic ministry occurred during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah, and Jeroboam II in Israel. The Hebrew root for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) emphasizes the divine communication received by Hosea. 2. Hosea's Marriage to Gomer (Hosea 1:2-3) God commands Hosea to marry a "promiscuous woman" (זְנוּנִים, ^zenunim^), symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness. Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a living parable of Israel's spiritual adultery. 3. Birth of Jezreel (Hosea 1:4-5) Gomer bears a son named Jezreel, a name that signifies impending judgment on the house of Jehu for the bloodshed at Jezreel. The name also foreshadows the scattering of Israel, as "Jezreel" (יִזְרְעֶאל, ^Yizre'el^) means "God sows." 4. Birth of Lo-Ruhamah (Hosea 1:6-7) Gomer's daughter is named Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "not loved" or "no mercy" (לֹא רֻחָמָה, ^Lo-Ruhamah^), indicating God's withdrawal of compassion from Israel. However, Judah is promised deliverance by God's mercy. 5. Birth of Lo-Ammi (Hosea 1:8-9) Gomer's second son is named Lo-Ammi, meaning "not my people" (לֹא עַמִּי, ^Lo-Ammi^), signifying the broken relationship between God and Israel. This name underscores the covenantal breach due to Israel's unfaithfulness. 6. Promise of Restoration (Hosea 1:10-11) Despite the judgments, a promise of future restoration is given. The Israelites will be numerous "like the sand of the sea" and will be called "sons of the living God." The Hebrew term for "sons" (בְּנֵי, ^benei^) highlights the restored relationship. The reunification of Judah and Israel under one leader is also foretold, pointing to a messianic hope. Themes 1. Divine Command and Prophetic Obedience Hosea 1:2 - "When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He said to him, 'Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is committing blatant acts of prostitution by forsaking the LORD.'" This theme highlights God's direct command to Hosea to marry Gomer, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "prostitution" (זְנוּנִים, zenunim) underscores the spiritual adultery of Israel. 2. Symbolism of Marriage and Infidelity Hosea 1:3 - "So Hosea went and married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son." Hosea's marriage to Gomer serves as a living parable of Israel's infidelity to God. The relationship mirrors the covenant between God and Israel, which Israel has broken. 3. Judgment and Restoration Hosea 1:4-5 - "Then the LORD said to Hosea, 'Name him Jezreel, for soon I will bring the bloodshed of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.'" The naming of Hosea's children signifies God's impending judgment on Israel, yet it also hints at future restoration. "Jezreel" (יִזְרְעֶאל, Yizre'el) means "God sows," indicating both scattering and future gathering. 4. Rejection and Mercy Hosea 1:6-7 - "Gomer again conceived and gave birth to a daughter, and the LORD said to Hosea, 'Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I should ever forgive them. Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will deliver them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.'" The name "Lo-ruhamah" (לֹא רֻחָמָה) means "not pitied," reflecting God's withdrawal of mercy from Israel, contrasted with His continued mercy towards Judah. 5. Identity and Covenant Relationship Hosea 1:8-9 - "After she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, Gomer conceived and gave birth to a son. Then the LORD said, 'Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God.'" "Lo-ammi" (לֹא עַמִּי) means "not my people," signifying the broken covenant relationship due to Israel's unfaithfulness. This theme underscores the seriousness of Israel's spiritual adultery. 6. Hope and Future Restoration Hosea 1:10-11 - "Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' Then the people of Judah and the people of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader and will go up from the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel." Despite the judgment, there is a promise of restoration and unity. The future hope is rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, where "sons of the living God" (בְּנֵי אֵל־חָי) signifies restored identity and relationship. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Faithfulness Thank God for His unwavering love and faithfulness, even when we fall short. Repentance and Renewal Pray for a heart of repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to God's will. Hope and Trust in God's Promises Ask for strength to trust in God's promises and to hold onto hope, even in challenging times. Faithfulness in Relationships Seek God's guidance to be faithful in your relationships, reflecting His love and commitment to others. Answering Tough Questions 1. Why does God command Hosea to marry an unfaithful woman in Hosea 1:2, seemingly endorsing immoral behavior? 2. How do we reconcile Hosea 1:4–5 with 2 Kings 10:30, where Jehu is commended, yet here his dynasty is condemned? 3. Is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting Hosea 1, or does the lack of it undermine the text’s credibility? 4. How does Hosea 1:6–9 align with a just God punishing children for their parents’ actions, contrary to Deuteronomy 24:16? 5. Does the symbolic naming in Hosea 1:4–9 conflict with the broader biblical emphasis on God’s mercy and redemption? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think God instructed Hosea to marry a promiscuous woman? How does this compare to God's relationship with Israel? 2. How do the names of Hosea's children reflect God's message to Israel? 3. What lessons can we learn from Hosea's obedience to God's unusual command? 4. What are the implications of God's decision to show mercy to Judah but not to Israel? 5. In what ways does God's command to Hosea challenge our understanding of obedience? 6. How does the metaphor of marriage in Hosea 1 reflect God's covenant relationship with His people? 7. What might the chapter suggest about the nature of prophecy? 8. What do you think the phrase "I am not your God" means in the context of God's unending love? 9. How does Hosea 1 demonstrate the consequences of disobedience to God? 10. How can the theme of redemption be seen in this chapter despite the harsh judgment? 11. If you were in Hosea's shoes, how would you react to such a difficult calling from God? 12. How can we apply the message of Hosea 1 in our daily lives, especially in maintaining our faithfulness to God? 13. How can we apply the teachings of forgiveness and redemption from this chapter in our relationships with others? 14. Can you think of any contemporary parallels to Israel's unfaithfulness to God? 15. How does the story of Hosea and Gomer redefine the concept of divine love and human failure? 16. How can the themes explored in Hosea 1 assist in understanding other areas of the Bible? 17. How does Hosea 1 shed light on the depth of God's love despite human infidelity? 18. In our modern world, what lessons can we draw from the consequences faced by Israel due to disobedience? 19. What does the story of Hosea and Gomer teach about God's forgiveness and patience towards us, despite our shortcomings? 20. In what ways can we ensure that our personal relationship with God does not mirror the unfaithfulness portrayed by Israel? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions