Lo-Ammi

Lo-Ammi, meaning "not my people" in Hebrew, is the symbolic name given by the prophet Hosea to his third child, a son, as recorded in the Book of Hosea. This name serves as a divine message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, signifying God's disownment of His people due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. Hosea 1:9 states, "And the LORD said, 'Name him Lo-Ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God.'"

The naming of Lo-Ammi is part of a larger prophetic narrative in which Hosea's family life becomes a living parable of God's relationship with Israel. The name Lo-Ammi underscores the severity of Israel's spiritual adultery and the resulting broken covenant relationship with God. Despite this pronouncement, the prophecy also contains a message of hope and restoration. Hosea 1:10 promises, "Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.'"

Lo-Ruhamah

Lo-Ruhamah, meaning "not loved" or "not pitied" in Hebrew, is the name given to Hosea's daughter, as recorded in Hosea 1:6. The name reflects God's withdrawal of mercy and compassion from the Northern Kingdom due to their continued rebellion and idolatry. Hosea 1:6 states, "Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter, and the LORD said to Hosea, 'Name her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I should ever forgive them.'"

The name Lo-Ruhamah serves as a stark warning to Israel of the impending judgment and the cessation of divine favor. However, as with Lo-Ammi, the prophecy concerning Lo-Ruhamah is not without hope. In Hosea 2:23 , God declares, "I will sow her for Myself in the land, and I will have compassion on Lo-Ruhamah. I will say to those called 'Not My People,' 'You are My people,' and they will say, 'You are my God.'"

The names Lo-Ammi and Lo-Ruhamah, while initially conveying messages of judgment, ultimately point to God's enduring love and the promise of reconciliation and restoration for His people. Through Hosea's prophetic ministry, these names highlight both the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and the hope of redemption through God's unwavering covenantal love.