Definition: And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And [God] said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 1:6. It's a really powerful and difficult passage, and it speaks to a major turning point in Hosea’s relationship with God and his people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a woman who has had an affair with a man (likely a servant or someone connected to the Israelites) and becomes pregnant. God is deeply upset by this situation, and he decides to completely abandon mercy towards Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And she conceived again, and bare a daughter.” – This tells us there’s a new child born. It's a significant event because it means the relationship is continuing, despite the transgression. “And [God] said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.” – This is the most important part. Here’s what God is saying: "I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel..." - Before this verse, God had shown compassion and care for his people. Now, he's choosing to show a very harsh and unforgiving attitude towards them. "...but I will utterly take them away." – This is a very strong statement. It suggests that God intends to completely isolate and abandon Israel from him. It’s not just about punishing them; it means they will be removed from his favor and protection. What does this mean in terms of context? This verse appears during a time of intense rebellion and mistrust within the Israelite community. Hosea is deeply critical of their actions, and this verse is a clear sign that God is moving toward judgment. It’s a moment of profound sadness and perhaps a sense of impending disaster for the Israelites. Important Note: This is a complex verse, and it's often interpreted in multiple ways. Some scholars see it as a consequence of Hosea's previous harsh treatment of Israel, while others view it as a direct rejection of their faith. --- Resources to learn more (optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/charts/charts/13-1-6-hosea-1](https://www.biblegateway.com/charts/charts/13-1-6-hosea-1) – This provides a good overview of the verse and its historical context. Wikipedia - Hosea 1:6: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea_1%2C6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea_1%2C6) – A more detailed explanation of the verse and its significance. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of its meaning? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind "Loruhamah" The context of Hosea’s criticism toward Israel How this verse relates to the larger themes of God's justice and mercy?