Hos 1:2-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Hos 1:2-3:5: 1:2–3:5 This section describes a small segment of the prophet’s life, focusing on his unhappy marriage and illuminating God’s painful relationship with Israel, his chosen people. Summary for Hos 1:2-3: 1:2-3 a prostitute: Some have found it impossible to believe that God would command a prophet to marry a prostitute. As a result, there is a long tradition of interpreting this passage symbolically. Many in the early church believed that the marriage did not actually take place. They thought that this passage was an allegory in which Hosea represented the Lord and Gomer represented Israel. Today, most interpreters regard the marriage as a real one, but they differ in their ideas about Gomer’s occupation prior to the marriage. Some suggest that Gomer was an ordinary prostitute, while others suggest that she was one of the sacred prostitutes involved in Canaanite fertility worship. Another possibility is that Gomer was a young woman who had not previously participated in illicit sexual activity, but whom God knew to be predisposed toward adultery and prostitution.

a1:2–3:5►

b1:2-3►

c1:4►

d2 Kgs 9–10►

e1:5►

f1:6►

gIsa 7:10–8:8►

h1:7►

i1:9►

jLev 26:12►

kExod 6:7►

lExod 3:14►

‏ Hosea 1:2-9

Summary for Hos 1:2-3:5: 1:2–3:5 ^a This section describes a small segment of the prophet’s life, focusing on his unhappy marriage and illuminating God’s painful relationship with Israel, his chosen people.
Summary for Hos 1:2-3: 1:2-3 ^b a prostitute: Some have found it impossible to believe that God would command a prophet to marry a prostitute. As a result, there is a long tradition of interpreting this passage symbolically. Many in the early church believed that the marriage did not actually take place. They thought that this passage was an allegory in which Hosea represented the Lord and Gomer represented Israel. Today, most interpreters regard the marriage as a real one, but they differ in their ideas about Gomer’s occupation prior to the marriage. Some suggest that Gomer was an ordinary prostitute, while others suggest that she was one of the sacred prostitutes involved in Canaanite fertility worship. Another possibility is that Gomer was a young woman who had not previously participated in illicit sexual activity, but whom God knew to be predisposed toward adultery and prostitution.
1:4 ^c Jezreel is a fertile valley in north central Israel.

• The murders Jehu committed at Jezreel are described in 2 Kgs 9–10 ^d.
1:5 ^e King Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria fulfilled this prophecy in 733 BC when he defeated Israelite forces and captured the Valley of Jezreel.
1:6 ^f Lo-ruhamah: The names of Hosea’s children were part of his prophetic message (cp. Isa 7:10–8:8 ^g).
1:7 ^h For many years, the kingdom of Israel had depended upon its armies and horses and charioteers for security, but its confidence was completely misplaced. Safety and security are only to be found in God’s power as the Lord.
1:9 ⁱ The name Lo-ammi carries the harshest judgment of all, because it seems to announce the end of Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord. The cherished title my people—bestowed upon Israel when they lived obediently in covenant with the Lord their God (Lev 26:12 ^j; see also Exod 6:7 ^k)—was now withdrawn due to their blatant unfaithfulness.

• I am not their God: The Hebrew behind this declaration can be translated I am not ‘I Am’ for you (cp. Exod 3:14 ^l). The third child’s name prophetically announces that the Israelites stand outside the covenant and are no longer privileged to call upon the I Am.