Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning The name "Ruhamah" is derived from the Hebrew word "רֻחָמָה" (Ruhamah), which means "having obtained mercy" or "compassion." This name is significant in the context of divine mercy and compassion, reflecting God's willingness to forgive and restore His people. Biblical Context Ruhamah is mentioned in the Book of Hosea, a prophetic text in the Old Testament. The prophet Hosea is instructed by God to marry Gomer, a woman described as unfaithful, as a symbolic act representing God's relationship with Israel. Through this marriage and the naming of their children, God communicates His message to the Israelites. Hosea 2:1 In Hosea 2:1, the name "Ruhamah" is used in a prophetic declaration of restoration and mercy. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as: "Say to your brothers, 'My people,' and to your sisters, 'My loved one.'" Here, "My loved one" is a translation of "Ruhamah," indicating a shift from judgment to mercy. This verse follows a period of judgment symbolized by the name "Lo-Ruhamah," meaning "not loved" or "not pitied," given to one of Hosea's children in Hosea 1:6. The transition from "Lo-Ruhamah" to "Ruhamah" signifies God's promise to restore His compassion and love towards Israel. Theological Significance The use of the name Ruhamah in Hosea underscores the theme of God's enduring love and mercy. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment, God's ultimate desire is to restore and redeem His people. Ruhamah serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenantal faithfulness and His readiness to forgive those who return to Him in repentance. Symbolism in Hosea Hosea's marriage to Gomer and the names of their children are rich in symbolic meaning. Ruhamah represents the hope and assurance of God's mercy, contrasting with the earlier judgment. This transformation from "not loved" to "loved" illustrates the depth of God's grace and His willingness to renew His relationship with His people. Application for Believers For contemporary believers, Ruhamah is a testament to the transformative power of God's mercy. It encourages individuals to seek God's compassion and forgiveness, trusting in His promise to restore and renew. The account of Ruhamah invites believers to reflect on their own relationship with God, recognizing His unwavering love and the opportunity for redemption through faith and repentance. Smith's Bible Dictionary Ruhamah or Ruhamah(having obtained mercy). (Hosea 2:1) The name if name it be, is symbolical, and is addressed to the DAUGHTERS of the people, to denote that they were still the objects of love and tender compassion. Strong's Hebrew 3819. Lo Ruchamah -- "without compassion," symbolic name of ...... "without compassion," symbolic name of Hosea's daughter. Transliteration: Lo Ruchamah Phonetic Spelling: (lo roo-khaw-maw') Short Definition: Lo-ruhamah. ... /hebrew/3819.htm - 6k 7355. racham -- to love, have compassion Library The Section Chap. I. -iii. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Everybody's Sermon CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). Resources Questions about Hosea | GotQuestions.orgOld Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Who was Lo-ruhamah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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