Symbols of Sin and Judgment: The Prostitute and Her Children

1:2 When the Lord first spoke7 through8 Hosea, he9 said to him,10 “Go marry11 a prostitute12 who will bear illegitimate children conceived through prostitution,13 because the nation14 continually commits spiritual prostitution15 by turning away from16 the Lord.” 1:3 So Hosea married17 Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. Then she conceived and gave birth to a son for him. 1:4 Then the Lord said to Hosea,18 “Name him ‘Jezreel,’ because in a little while I will punish19 the dynasty20 of Jehu on account of the bloodshed21 in the valley of Jezreel,22 and I will put an end to the kingdom23 of Israel.24 1:5 At that time,25 I will destroy the military power26 of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.”

1:6 She conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord27 said to him, “Name her ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) because I will no longer have pity28 on the nation29 of Israel. For30 I will certainly not forgive31 their guilt.32 1:7 But I will have pity on the nation33 of Judah.34 I will deliver them by the Lord their God; I will not deliver them by the warrior’s bow, by sword, by military victory,35 by chariot horses, or by chariots.”36

1:8 When37 she had weaned ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) she conceived again and gave birth to another son. 1:9 Then the Lord38 said: “Name him ‘Not My People’ (Lo-Ammi), because you39 are not my people and I am not your40 God.”41