Old Testament

Hosea

Hosea (14 chapters) prophesies during
Israel's final pre-exile days, focusing
On her sin of spiritual adultery
Through following other gods in idolatry.
To show this, God tells him marry a whore, Gomer;
First a son, then two outside daughters come from her.
The Lord directs Hosea in naming the three:
Their apt names (Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, Lo-ammi)
Mean: "I'll avenge!"; "no more mercy!"; "not my people!"
God warns through them, and Hosea, His oracle.
But though Israel's strayed, "I'll allure her!" says He,
"She'll call Me, not 'Baali' (Lord), but 'Husband' (Ishi)!"