1:1 | *This is the word of the Lord which was revealed to Hosea* son of Beeri during the time when* Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ruled Judah,* and during the time when Jeroboam son of Joash* ruled Israel.* |
1:2 | When the Lord first spoke* through* Hosea, he* said to him,* “Go marry* a prostitute* who will bear illegitimate children conceived through prostitution,* because the nation* continually commits spiritual prostitution* by turning away from* the Lord.” |
1:3 | So Hosea married* Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. Then she conceived and gave birth to a son for him. |
1:4 | Then the Lord said to Hosea,* “Name him ‘Jezreel,’ because in a little while I will punish* the dynasty* of Jehu on account of the bloodshed* in the valley of Jezreel,* and I will put an end to the kingdom* of Israel.* |
1:5 | At that time,* I will destroy the military power* of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.” |
1:6 | She conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord* said to him, “Name her ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) because I will no longer have pity* on the nation* of Israel. For* I will certainly not forgive* their guilt.* |
1:7 | But I will have pity on the nation* of Judah.* I will deliver them by the Lord their God; I will not deliver them by the warrior’s bow, by sword, by military victory,* by chariot horses, or by chariots.”* |
1:8 | When* she had weaned ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah) she conceived again and gave birth to another son. |
1:9 | Then the Lord* said: “Name him ‘Not My People’ (Lo-Ammi), because you* are not my people and I am not your* God.”* |
1:10 | * However,* in the future the number of the people* of Israel will be like the sand of the sea which can be neither measured nor numbered. Although* it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it will be said to them, “You are* children* of the living God!” |
1:11 | Then the people* of Judah and the people of Israel will be gathered together. They will appoint for themselves one leader,* and will flourish in the land.* Certainly,* the day of Jezreel will be great! |