1:11 This is the word of the Lord which was revealed to Hosea2 son of Beeri during the time when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ruled Judah,3 and during the time when Jeroboam son of Joash4 ruled Israel.5
Symbols of Sin and Judgment: The Prostitute and Her Children
1:2 When the Lord first spoke6 through7 Hosea, he8 said to him,9 “Go marry10 a prostitute11 who will bear illegitimate children conceived through prostitution,12 because the nation13 continually commits spiritual prostitution14 by turning away from15 the Lord.” 1:3 So Hosea married16 Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. Then she conceived and gave birth to a son for him. 1:4 Then the Lord said to him, “Name him ‘Jezreel,’ because in a little while I will punish17 the dynasty18 of Jehu on account of the bloodshed19 in the valley of Jezreel,20 and I will put an end to the kingdom21 of Israel.22 1:5 At that time,23 I will destroy the military power24 of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.”
1:6 She conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord25 said to him, “Name her ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) because I will no longer have pity26 on the nation27 of Israel. For28 I will certainly not forgive29 their guilt.30 1:7 But I will have pity on the nation31 of Judah.32 I will deliver them by the Lord their God; I will not deliver them by the warrior’s bow, by sword, by military victory,33 by chariot horses, or by chariots.”34
1:8 When35 she had weaned ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) she conceived again and gave birth to another son. 1:9 Then the Lord36 said: “Name him ‘Not My People’ (Lo-Ammi), because you37 are not my people and I am not your38 God.”39
The Restoration of Israel
1:10 40 However,41 in the future the number of the people42 of Israel will be like the sand of the sea which can be neither measured nor numbered. Although43 it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it will be said to them, “You are44 children45 of the living God!” 1:11 Then the people46 of Judah and the people of Israel will be gathered together. They will appoint for themselves one leader,47 and will flourish in the land.48 Certainly,49 the day of Jezreel will be great!