Editing Hosea (section)

==Family==
Little is known about the life or social status of Hosea. According to the Book of Hosea, he married [[Gomer (wife of Hosea)|Gomer]], the daughter of [[list of minor Hebrew Bible figures, A–K#Diblaim|Diblaim]],<ref name=EB1911/> but she proved to be unfaithful. Hosea knew she would be unfaithful, as God says this to him immediately in the opening statements of the book. This marriage was arranged in order to serve to the prophet as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness to the Lord.<ref name=je/> His marriage will dramatize the breakdown in the relationship between God and His people Israel.<ref name=mjl>{{Cite web|url=https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hosea-amos-prophets-to-the-north/|title=Hosea & Amos: Prophets to the North}}</ref> Hosea's family life reflected the "adulterous" relationship which Israel had built with other gods.

Similarly, his children's names represent God's estrangement from Israel.<ref name=mjl/> They are prophetic of the fall of the ruling dynasty and the severed covenant with God &ndash; much like the prophet [[Isaiah]] a generation later. The name of Hosea's daughter, Lo-ruhamah, which translates as 'not pitied', is chosen as a sign of displeasure with the people of Israel for following false gods.<ref>In ''Bible,'' [[Hosea 2:23]] she is redeemed, shown mercy with the term ''Ruhamah''.</ref> The name of Hosea's son, Lo-ammi, which translates as 'not my people', is chosen as a sign of the Lord's displeasure with the people of Israel for following those false gods.<ref>see ''Bible'', [[Hosea 1#Verse 8|Hosea 1:8]]–[[Hosea 1#Verse 9|9]]</ref>