Hosea 1:3-9
1:4 a Jezreel is a fertile valley in north central Israel.• The murders Jehu committed at Jezreel are described in 2 Kgs 9–10 b.
1:5 c 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 d Lo-ruhamah: The names of Hosea’s children were part of his prophetic message (cp. Isa 7:10–8:8 e).
1:7 f 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 g 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upon Israel when they lived obediently in covenant with the Lord their God (Lev 26:12 h; see also Exod 6:7 i)—was now withdrawn due to their blatant unfaithfulness.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 j). 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.
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