Hosea 1 opens with God calling the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer as a living picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Their three children are given prophetic names—Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah (“no mercy”), and Lo-ammi (“not my people”)—as warnings that judgment is coming. It’s a sobering reminder that idolatry and compromise break covenant relationship with God. Yet Hosea’s message ultimately points toward God’s desire to restore a repentant people.