Hosea’s children are not innocent either. They are called “children of whoredom.” In keeping with our comments on this phrase in Hosea 1:2, the children suffer the social stigma of their mother's shameful past. Yet it is also very likely that they have been influenced by her behaviour and share in her blame. They are punished for their own infidelity, even if greater responsibility lies with their mother. Both mother and children represent the unfaithful Israel.
If we are supposed to distinguish them further, there are a few options. The mother could stand for the land of Canaan, the capital city of Samaria, or the religious and political establishment of the nation.1 The children would therefore represent individual Israelites who have participated in their Baal worship without resistance. These are plausible distinctions but what we know for sure is that both mother and children portray Israel’s adultery.
4 Upon her children also I will have no mercy, because they are children of whoredom.