Hosea 1:9

KJV

Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} God, Call {H7121} his name {H8034} Loammi {H3818}: for ye are not my people {H5971}, and I will not be your God.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said, "Name him Lo-'Ammi [not-my-people], because you are not my people, and I will not be your [God].

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said, “Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said, Call his name Lo-ammi; for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 1:9 marks a profound turning point in God's relationship with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, symbolized by the naming of Hosea's third child, Lo-Ammi. This name, meaning "not my people," represents a divine declaration of covenant dissolution due to Israel's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. It signifies God's righteous judgment, withdrawing His intimate covenantal presence and protection from a people who had repeatedly rejected Him, highlighting the severe consequences of spiritual adultery and rebellion against the divine covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 1:9 concludes the symbolic naming of Hosea's children, which forms the opening and foundational prophetic act of the book. Following the birth of Jezreel ("God scatters") in [Hosea 1:4](/hosea/1-4 "Hosea 1:4 - God Scatters") and Lo-Ruhamah ("not pitied") in [Hosea 1:6](/hosea/1-6 "Hosea 1:6 - Not Pitied"), Lo-Ammi ("not my people") represents the climactic and most severe declaration of divine judgment. Each child's name progressively illustrates the escalating consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, moving from impending judgment (Jezreel) to the withdrawal of mercy (Lo-Ruhamah), and finally, to the ultimate breaking of the covenant relationship itself (Lo-Ammi). This sequence sets the stage for the book's subsequent chapters, which oscillate between detailed indictments of Israel's sin and passionate appeals for repentance, ultimately culminating in promises of future restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Hosea is set during the tumultuous final decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), roughly from 750-715 BC. This period was characterized by political instability, assassinations of kings, and a rapid decline into moral and spiritual depravity. Israel had abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread syncretism, worshipping Baal and other Canaanite deities, and adopting their fertility cult practices. Economically prosperous but spiritually bankrupt, Israel also sought foreign alliances (with Assyria or Egypt) rather than trusting in God, a clear violation of the covenant. The declaration "not my people" reflects God's response to this deep-seated rebellion, foreshadowing the impending Assyrian exile (722 BC) that would scatter the Northern Kingdom and effectively end its existence as a distinct political entity, thereby fulfilling the implications of the name Jezreel.

* **Key Themes:** Hosea 1:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hosea. Primarily, it underscores **Covenant Unfaithfulness and Judgment**, demonstrating that God's covenant with Israel, while gracious, was conditional upon obedience. Israel's persistent spiritual adultery, depicted through Gomer's unfaithfulness, directly parallels their abandonment of Yahweh for other gods, leading to the severe judgment of covenant revocation. This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, as God, in His holiness, cannot indefinitely tolerate sin and rebellion. Yet, even in judgment, the book of Hosea, particularly in later chapters like [Hosea 11](/hosea/11 "Hosea 11 - God's Enduring Love") and [Hosea 14](/hosea/14 "Hosea 14 - Call to Repentance and Promise of Restoration"), never abandons the theme of **God's Enduring Love and Desire for Restoration**. The "not my people" declaration, while severe, is ultimately part of a divine discipline intended to bring Israel to repentance and a renewed relationship, as explicitly promised in [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - Restoration of the Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loammi (Hebrew, _Lôʼ ʻAmmîy'_):** This symbolic name, directly given by God, is a compound of the negative particle "lo" (לֹא, "not") and "ammi" (עַמִּי, "my people"). It functions as a declarative statement, signifying the complete cessation of Israel's covenantal status as God's chosen people. The naming is not merely descriptive but performative, enacting the very separation it announces. It encapsulates the profound rupture in the relationship due to Israel's persistent spiritual adultery and idolatry.
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** The verb "said" indicates a divine pronouncement, underscoring the authority and finality of the declaration. When God "says," it carries the weight of decree and certainty. Here, it is God Himself who commands the naming and articulates the reason, emphasizing that this judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Israel's actions, stemming from His righteous character.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** In the context of the Old Testament, "people" (specifically "my people") is a deeply significant covenantal term. It refers to Israel as a congregated unit, chosen by God to be His special possession, distinct from all other nations ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). The negation "not my people" thus represents the revocation of this unique identity and relationship, stripping Israel of their privileged status and the divine protection and blessings that accompanied it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said God, Call his name Loammi":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the command. God Himself instructs Hosea to name his third child Lo-Ammi, making the child a living, walking parable of Israel's spiritual condition. This direct divine instruction underscores the gravity of the message and the fact that this judgment is from God, not merely Hosea's interpretation.
* **"for ye are not my people":** This is the core declaration of covenant dissolution. The phrase "my people" was the bedrock of Israel's identity, signifying their unique relationship with Yahweh established at Sinai. God's declaration that "ye are not my people" directly reverses this foundational covenant formula, indicating that Israel, through their persistent unfaithfulness, had forfeited their special status and the privileges associated with being God's chosen nation.
* **"and I will not be your God":** This second part of the declaration is the reciprocal consequence of the first. If Israel is no longer "my people," then God will no longer act as "your God" in the intimate, protective, and covenantal sense. This means the withdrawal of divine favor, protection, and the blessings promised in the covenant. It signifies a period of spiritual alienation and the removal of the divine presence that had previously distinguished Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 1:9 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the child Lo-Ammi serves as a living, embodied prophecy, his very name a constant, stark reminder of Israel's broken covenant with God. This is part of a larger **Allegory** throughout Hosea 1-3, where Hosea's marriage to Gomer allegorically represents Yahweh's faithful, enduring love for unfaithful Israel. The naming of Lo-Ammi is an act of **Divine Speech** or **Oracle**, conveying God's direct judgment. The phrase "ye are not my people, and I will not be your God" is a powerful example of **Covenant Reversal** or **Anti-Covenant Formula**, directly negating the foundational declaration of the Mosaic covenant ("I will be your God, and you will be my people"). This **Antithesis** highlights the severity of Israel's rebellion and the resulting rupture in their relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 1:9 stands as a stark reminder of the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing that while God's love is steadfast, His holiness demands a response of faithfulness. This verse illustrates the profound consequences of spiritual adultery, where Israel's pursuit of other gods led to a forfeiture of their unique identity as God's chosen people. However, the severity of this declaration is not the final word in Hosea or in biblical theology. It serves as a necessary judgment to highlight the depth of Israel's sin and God's righteous character, setting the stage for the even greater demonstration of God's redemptive love and His ultimate desire for reconciliation and restoration, which culminates in the New Covenant.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "God's Covenant with Israel")
* [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - Restoration: 'You are My People'")
* [Romans 9:25-26](/romans/9-25-26 "Romans 9:25-26 - Paul Quotes Hosea on Gentile Inclusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 1:9, while rooted in ancient Israel's history, offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a sobering reminder that our relationship with God, though founded on His grace, calls for a response of faithfulness and exclusive devotion. Just as Israel's idolatry led to a breach in their covenant, so too can anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts—whether possessions, power, pleasure, or even self-reliance—create a spiritual distance that hinders our fellowship with Him. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we truly living as God's people, reflecting His character and prioritizing His will, or are there "other gods" we serve? It underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance, reminding us that God is holy and just, and while His patience is immense, persistent unfaithfulness has consequences. Yet, the broader narrative of Hosea, and indeed the entire biblical story, assures us that even when we fail, God's ultimate desire is for restoration. His declaration of "not my people" is often a painful, disciplinary act designed to lead us back to Him, offering a path to renewed intimacy through repentance and faith in His enduring love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or competing loyalties might be subtly taking God's rightful place in my life today, potentially straining my relationship with Him?**
* **How does Hosea 1:9 remind me of the importance of faithfulness and exclusive devotion in my walk with God?**
* **Considering the broader message of Hosea, how does God's declaration of "not my people" ultimately reveal His persistent love and desire for restoration?**

### FAQ

**Does Hosea 1:9 mean God completely abandoned Israel forever?**

Answer: No, Hosea 1:9 signifies a temporary, albeit severe, period of judgment and covenant dissolution due to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. While the declaration "not my people" was a profound statement of alienation, the book of Hosea itself, and indeed the entire biblical narrative, ultimately speaks of God's enduring love and His plan for restoration. Later in Hosea, particularly in [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - God's Promise of Restoration"), God promises to reverse this declaration, saying, "I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God." This illustrates that God's judgment is often disciplinary, intended to bring about repentance and a renewed relationship, not final abandonment. The ultimate fulfillment of this restoration is seen in the New Testament through Christ, who gathers both Jews and Gentiles into God's family ([Romans 9:25-26](/romans/9-25-26 "Romans 9:25-26 - Paul on God's Mercy for All")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 1:9, with its declaration of "not my people," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a permanent rejection, but in the ultimate redefinition and expansion of God's people through the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. While Israel's unfaithfulness led to a temporary breach, God's eternal purpose was always to gather a people for Himself, a purpose fully realized in the person and work of Jesus. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God was removed, making a new and living way for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, to become part of God's spiritual family. The very promise in [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - God's Promise of Restoration")—"I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people"—is directly applied by the Apostle Peter to the church, composed of those who "in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God" ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen People")). Thus, the alienation symbolized by Lo-Ammi is overcome by the reconciliation offered in Christ, who is the true Israel, the faithful one who perfectly embodies God's covenant, inviting all nations to be reconciled to God and be called "my people" through faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Gentiles Included in God's Household")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.