Name
What is in a name? In Hosea, quite a lot. God tells the prophet what to call his children, and each name is a message: Jezreel, then Loruhamah, then Loammi, which means “not my people.” Later comes the turn, when the names are reversed and Israel is called Ammi and Ruhamah. A child’s name becomes a short sermon that the whole family carries. Elsewhere Proverbs gives a simpler view: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” Hosea 1 and 2 are the place to begin.
6 verses
Proverbs
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Hosea
So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.
And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.
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.
Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.
Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi; and to your sisters, Ruhamah.