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open, profane, defile', and employed by Moses and other writers for the very
pollution and profanation he was called upon to exhibit (Lev. 21:7,9,14;
19:29). It does not necessarily follow that Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim,
was an immoral woman. It means she was of 'Israel' as distinct from 'Judah',
for Israel, that is the ten tribes, had become idolaters, having their own
sanctuary at Beth -el. We have already learned about the 'altars of Beth -
el' from the prophet Amos, and Hosea refers to Beth -el in 10:15 and 12:4 in
a markedly contrasted manner. The two marriage contracts into which Hosea
entered are highly significant, and must now be examined. (See structure
overleaf).
It is evident by this disposition of the subject -matter, that these
two marriage contracts entered into by the prophet were intended to set forth
in symbol the relationship of the Lord to Israel, their defection, the long
period of estrangement and their final restoration. The names of the three
children which were born were most certainly given because of their typical
meaning.
The name of the wife, Gomer, does not appear to have been chosen
because of its meaning, but because of its association. Gomer was the name
of a northern people, of Japhetic origin (Gen. 10:2). Some believe that from
these descended the Cimeru, the ancestors of the Cymry or the Welsh. Israel
by their sins and idolatry had put themselves in the position of the far off
Gentiles. The three children of this marriage were named at God's
instruction Jezreel, Lo -ruhamah and Lo -ammi (Hos. 1:4,6 and 9).
Hosea 1 to 3
A 1:2-. 'Go take a wife of whoredoms'.
B 1:-2. Meaning, the departure of the land from the Lord.
C 1:3. Hosea takes Gomer.
D 1:4 to 2:23.
e 1:4 -9. The three
a Jezreel 'I will avenge'.
children.
b Lo -ruhamah
'Not ... mercy'.
c Lo -ammi
'Not My people'.
Prophetic
f 1:10 to 2:1. Prophetic import of
significance.
the three names.
f 2:2-22.
Prophetic fulfilment of
the three names.
e 2:23.
The three
a Jezreel 'I will sow'.
children.
b Ruhamah 'Mercy'.
c Ammi 'My People'.
A 3:1-. 'Go yet, love ... an adulteress'.
B 3:-1.
Meaning,
Israel who look to other gods.
C 3:2. Hosea buys her, with the price of a slave.
D 3:4,5.
e1 3:4-.
Many days.
f1 3:-4. Abide ... without a king etc.
Prophetic
e2 3:5-. Afterward.
significance.
f2 3:-5-. Return ... Lord ...,
and David their king.
e3 3:-5.
Latter days.
Jezreel. First it should be observed that there is in this name a
paronomasia between Israel (Yisrael) and Jezreel (Yizreel). Then, it must be