Hosea uses the picture of a marriage to explain the situation between God and his people (see Hosea 1:1–9). God is the faithful Husband; his people is the unfaithful bride who loves other men. Hosea himself, as a prophet, must marry a woman who is adulterous. In this way, he is the image of his God. The names of Hosea’s children show that God has had enough of this adultery and is going to end his marriage with Israel. The relationship is broken (Hosea 1:9).
It is very unexpected, but this ending is not final. God promises new beginnings: restoration of the marriage and beautiful promises for the future. God shows mercy to his people again.
10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.”