Hosea's Wife: Gomer

Hosea, a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, was commanded by God to marry a woman named Gomer. This marriage was to serve as a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The Lord instructed Hosea, "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" (Hosea 1:2). Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, is often understood to have been a woman of promiscuous reputation, symbolizing Israel's spiritual adultery through idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

Gomer's relationship with Hosea is a poignant illustration of God's enduring love and mercy towards His people despite their infidelity. Her actions and Hosea's response reflect the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan and His willingness to restore those who repent and return to Him.

Hosea's Children

Hosea and Gomer had three children, each given a name by God that carried prophetic significance concerning Israel's future.

1. Jezreel: The first child, a son, was named Jezreel. 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" (Hosea 1:4). The name Jezreel, meaning "God sows," alludes to the valley where Jehu's dynasty committed acts of violence, and it foretells the impending judgment and scattering of Israel.

2. Lo-Ruhamah: The second child, a daughter, was named Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "Not Loved" or "No Mercy." God declared, "Name her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I should ever forgive them" (Hosea 1:6). This name signified the withdrawal of God's mercy from Israel due to their persistent sin and rebellion.

3. Lo-Ammi: The third child, another son, was named Lo-Ammi, meaning "Not My People." The Lord instructed, "Name him Lo-Ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God" (Hosea 1:9). This name represented the severing of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the seriousness of their apostasy.

Despite these dire pronouncements, the narrative of Hosea's family is not without hope. God promises eventual restoration and reconciliation, as seen in Hosea 1:10-11: "Yet 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.'"

Hosea's marriage to Gomer and the naming of their children serve as a profound testament to God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, offering a message of hope and redemption amidst judgment.