Topical Bible: Lo-Ruhamah: Hosea's Daughter

◄ Lo-Ruhamah: Hosea's Daughter ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Lo-Ruhamah is a significant figure in the prophetic narrative of the Book of Hosea, found in the Old Testament. Her name, given by divine command, carries profound theological implications within the context of Hosea's ministry and the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God.

Biblical Account

Lo-Ruhamah is the daughter of the prophet Hosea and his wife Gomer. Her birth and naming are recorded in Hosea 1:6-7. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then 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. Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will deliver them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.'"

Name and Meaning

The name "Lo-Ruhamah" is Hebrew for "not loved" or "not pitied." This name serves as a symbolic message from God to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, indicating a withdrawal of divine mercy and compassion due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. The naming of Lo-Ruhamah is a prophetic act, reflecting the broken covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Theological Significance

Lo-Ruhamah's name and the circumstances of her birth are deeply intertwined with the central themes of the Book of Hosea. Her life serves as a living parable of Israel's spiritual adultery and the resulting judgment. The withdrawal of compassion signifies a period of impending judgment and exile for Israel, highlighting the seriousness of their covenant violations.

Despite the harshness of the message conveyed through Lo-Ruhamah's name, it is important to recognize the broader narrative of Hosea, which ultimately points to God's enduring love and desire for reconciliation. The prophecy concerning Judah in Hosea 1:7, where God promises deliverance, underscores the hope of restoration and the possibility of renewed relationship for those who turn back to Him.

Context within Hosea's Family

Lo-Ruhamah is one of three children born to Hosea and Gomer, each with names that carry prophetic significance. Her siblings, Jezreel and Lo-Ammi, also symbolize aspects of God's message to Israel. Jezreel represents the impending judgment and scattering, while Lo-Ammi, meaning "not my people," signifies the severing of the covenant relationship. Together, these names encapsulate the themes of judgment, separation, and the hope of eventual restoration.

Historical and Cultural Context

The period during which Hosea prophesied was marked by political instability and spiritual decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The people had turned to idolatry and forsaken the covenant with Yahweh, leading to moral and social decay. Hosea's marriage to Gomer and the birth of their children served as a vivid illustration of Israel's unfaithfulness and the consequences thereof.

Conclusion

Lo-Ruhamah's role in the Book of Hosea is a poignant reminder of the gravity of turning away from God and the consequences of such actions. Her account, while rooted in judgment, also points to the possibility of redemption and the hope of divine compassion for those who seek to restore their relationship with God.

Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 1:6-8
And she conceived again, and bore a daughter. And God said to him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy on the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

3819. Lo Ruchamah -- "without compassion," symbolic name of ...
... Word Origin from lo and racham Definition "without compassion," symbolic name
of Hosea's daughter NASB Word Usage Lo-ruhamah (2). Lo-ruhamah. ...
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