Overview

Hosea 1 sets the stage with God instructing Hosea to marry a promiscuous woman named Gomer, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Their marriage and children are metaphors for the relationship between God and Israel. Gomer's unfaithfulness represents Israel's idolatry. The names of their children—Jezreel (God scatters), Lo-Ruhamah (not loved), and Lo-Ammi (not my people)—reflect God's judgement on Israel for their disobedience. However, the chapter also contains a promise of restoration. It prophesies the unification of Judah and Israel under one leader and the renewal of the covenant. The chapter highlights themes of judgement and mercy, showcasing God's patience and willingness to restore His people despite their repeated transgressions. The narrative sets a tone of prophetic symbolism, deeply connecting family dynamics with national events. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding Israel's spiritual adultery and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant.

Hosea 1

1  The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

2  The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.

3  So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.

4  And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.

5  And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

6  And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.

7  But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

8  Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son.

9  Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

10  Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

11  Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

End of Hosea 1


1 Year Plan:  Dec 1 - Hos 1, Hos 2,  Ps 138, Ps 139

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