What is the definition of Hosea 2:16? 🙋 🔍
And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, [that] thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 2:16. It's a really important and somewhat surprising part of Hosea’s message about God’s relationship with his people.
Here’s the simple explanation:
In short, Hosea is saying that God wants to be known as “Ishii” – meaning ‘the one’ – and he doesn’t want to be called “Baali” anymore.
Let's unpack it a little further:
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“And it shall be at that day…”
: This refers to a specific future event, likely the end of Hosea’s relationship with his wife, Betsey. It’s about a significant turning point in their story.
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“…sayest the LORD…”
: This is God speaking directly.
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“[that] thou shalt call me Ishi”
: This is the core of the verse. God is declaring that he wants to be known as “Ishii.” It's a declaration of his desire for recognition and respect.
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“And shalt call me no more Baali”
: This is where it gets interesting. "Baali" was Hosea’s previous name. By saying, "no more Baali," God is essentially rejecting the old, flawed identity and embracing a new one. It signifies a complete shift in focus – a desire for a deeper, more authentic relationship.
What does this mean practically?
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It's about a change of heart:
Hosea isn’t just saying he doesn't 💎like💎 being called "Baali." He’s declaring a fundamental shift in his understanding of how to relate to God and to his people.
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It’s about seeking a better relationship:
God is wanting to be known, respected, and valued – not as a flawed person, but as the ultimate source of love and truth.
Why is this important?
This verse is a powerful expression of God's holiness and his desire for a relationship with humanity that is free from imperfection. It’s about recognizing that God is perfect and that He desires to be known in His true, complete glory.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain the context of this verse within Hosea?
💎 Explore why Hosea might have said this?
💎 Discuss the significance of this verse for understanding Hosea’s message?