Hoshea Perek 1

Read the text of Hoshea 1

Summary and Transcription

Hoshea Perek 1

Note I: This is just a recording of the p’sukim as they appear in the sefer.

Note II: Rambam and Ibn Ezra learn that Hoshea saw these events through a prophetic vision but did not actually do them. However, the Radak, Abarbenal, Malbim and Metzudos learn that Hoshea actually did perform the events mentioned in this Perek.

  • Hoshea was commanded to have children with a prostitute. Note: This represented how Yisrael was cheating on God by worshiping idols.

  • Hoshea took a prostitute named Gomer and had three children with her:

  • A son named Yizra’el, which meant that God is going to avenge the blood of Yehu (an evil king) in a place called the Valley of Yizra’el.

  • A daughter named Lo-Ruchama, meaning not pitied. This indicates Hashem’s message: “I will not have pity on the ten tribes of Yisrael, but I will have mercy on the house of Yehudah and I will rescue them with miracles.

  • After weaning Lo-Ruchama, Gomer had another son named Lo-Ami, meaning not my people.

Hashem was angry at the ten tribes of Yisrael for failing to keep their covenant with God.