(a) (i) Mention the names of Hosea's three Children (ii) Explain the meaning of each of the names (b) In what three ways are names significant in your socie...

Answer Details

(a)(i) The names of Hosea's three children (Hosea 1:2-9)

At the Lord's command Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she bore him three children whose names were prophetic signs to Israel:

1. Jezreel (a son).
2. Lo-Ruhamah (a daughter).
3. Lo-Ammi (a son).

(a)(ii) The meaning of each name

• Jezreel means "God sows" or "God scatters." The name announced that God would soon punish the house of Jehu for the blood shed at Jezreel and would break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel, bringing an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.
• Lo-Ruhamah means "not pitied" or "no mercy." It declared that God would no longer have mercy on the house of Israel to forgive them, though He would still show mercy to Judah.
• Lo-Ammi means "not my people." It was the most severe, for God said, "You are not my people, and I am not your God," signifying the breaking of the covenant relationship because of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry.

Through these names Hosea preached that Israel's persistent sin had turned the loving relationship between God and His people into one of judgement, though the prophecy also held out hope of a future restoration.

(b) Three ways names are significant in my society

• They express circumstances of birth or family history. A name may record events surrounding a child's birth, such as joy, sorrow, the day or the season, thereby preserving family memory.
• They convey the parents' beliefs, prayers or hopes. Many names are prayers or thanksgivings to God, expressing gratitude or the aspirations the parents hold for the child.
• They mark identity and belonging. A name links a person to a family, lineage, community, tribe or religion, giving a sense of identity and continuity.