Hosea’s Family: Symbols of the Lord for Ancient Israel

Hosea

Salvation

God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, “a wife of whoredoms” (Hosea 1:2). Hosea symbolized the lord, the bridegroom (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 31:32) of the covenant people Israel, who were committing spiritual adultery by worshipping other gods. Both Hosea and the lord are called “Salvation” (Isa. 12:2).

Gomer

Completion?

Gomer, Hosea’s “wife of whoredoms,” represented unfaithful Israel, who had “committed great whoredom” by “departing from the lord” (Hosea 1:2).

Jezreel, first son

God will sow

Hosea and Gomer’s first son is so named because the lord stated, “I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel” (Hosea 1:5). The bow, representing Israel’s military might, was broken in Jezreel when the Assyrians seized this valley. Years later, Israel fell and God scattered His people abroad, much like a farmer sows or scatters seed onto the soil.

Lo-ruhamah, daughter

No mercy

Hosea and Gomer’s daughter was named “No mercy” because the lord declared that He would “no more have mercy upon the house of Israel” (Hosea 1:6) due to its people’s many transgressions. Lo-ruhamah, then, symbolized the lord’s removal of mercy from His bride, the covenant people of Israel.

Lo-ammi, second son

Not my people

Hosea and Gomer’s second son was named “Not my people” because the lord declared to Israel, “Ye are not my people, and I will not be your God” (Hosea 1:2–9). Lo-ammi, then, symbolized the broken covenant relationship between the lord and Israel, caused by Israel’s wickedness.