Hosea 1 Commentary

Hosea receives the word of the LORD during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

The LORD commands Hosea to take an unfaithful wife and have children with her. Hosea’s marriage and family serve to illustrate how the Israelites have forsaken their covenant partner, Yahweh.

Hosea’s wife gives birth to a daughter, and the LORD commands Hosea to name her “Lo-ruhamah” meaning “No Mercy” because He will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel.

Hosea’s wife gives birth to a third child, and the LORD commands Hosea to name him Lo-ammi, meaning that the Israelites are not God’s people.

The LORD promises to restore Israel and Judah. He states that the nation will experience a great increase in population and will be gathered together under one leader.