Topical Encyclopedia Loruhamah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Hosea. Her name, which means "not loved" or "not pitied," is deeply symbolic and reflects the spiritual and relational dynamics between God and the nation of Israel during the prophetic ministry of Hosea.Biblical Context Loruhamah is the daughter of the prophet Hosea and his wife Gomer. Her account is found in Hosea 1:6-7. God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman described as promiscuous, to symbolize Israel's unfaithfulness to Him. The marriage and the children born to Hosea and Gomer serve as living metaphors for the relationship between God and Israel. Scriptural Reference In Hosea 1:6-7 , it is written: "Gomer conceived again 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.'" Theological Significance Loruhamah's name is a prophetic declaration of God's judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. It signifies a withdrawal of divine mercy due to Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The name serves as a stark warning to the Israelites that their continued rebellion would lead to severe consequences, including the loss of God's protective compassion. However, the prophecy concerning Loruhamah also contains a message of hope and distinction. While God declares a cessation of compassion for Israel, He simultaneously affirms His continued mercy towards the southern kingdom of Judah. This distinction underscores the theme of divine justice and mercy, highlighting God's sovereign choice and the conditional nature of His covenant blessings based on obedience and faithfulness. Historical and Prophetic Implications The birth and naming of Loruhamah occur during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. The northern kingdom was characterized by political instability, moral decay, and spiritual apostasy. Hosea's prophetic ministry, including the symbolic acts involving his family, was intended to call the nation to repentance and to warn of impending judgment through the Assyrian conquest. Loruhamah's name, therefore, is not merely a personal identifier but a prophetic message to the nation. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of seeking His mercy through repentance and faithfulness. Conclusion Loruhamah's account is a poignant illustration of the themes of judgment and mercy that permeate the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Her name encapsulates the tension between God's righteous judgment against sin and His enduring desire to extend grace and compassion to those who return to Him. Through the narrative of Hosea and his family, the message of Loruhamah continues to resonate as a call to faithfulness and a reminder of the profound impact of divine love and justice. Smith's Bible Dictionary Loruhamah(the uncompassionated), the name of the daughter of Hosea the prophet, given to denote the utterly ruined condition of the kingdom of Israel. (Hosea 1:6) Easton's Bible Dictionary Not pitied, the name of the prophet Hosea's first daughter, a type of Jehovah's temporary rejection of his people (Hosea 1:6; 2:23). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LO-RUHAMAHlo-roo-ha'-ma, lo-roo-ha'-ma. Thesaurus Loruhamah (2 Occurrences)... See LO-AMMI. Multi-Version Concordance Loruhamah (2 Occurrences). ... (KJV). Hosea 1:8 Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son. (KJV). ... /l/loruhamah.htm - 7k Lord'the (1 Occurrence) Lo-ruhamah (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Loruhamah (2 Occurrences)Hosea 1:6 Hosea 1:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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