Hosea’s marriage and children represent the messages God has for the people of Israel.  First, he calls Hosea to an extreme step, as a prophet marrying a prostitute would be a wake-up call for Israel to consider her relationship with God. Then their three children are named tragically: Jezreel, a place of bloodshed, Lo-Ruhamah, no mercy, and Lo-Ammi, not my people. Yet despite the actions of Israel, God still pursues them out of love and a desire that they return to Him, reminding us that even when we sin, the forgiveness of God is still greater.