Definition: Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 1:10. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about Israel's relationship with God. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is saying that the number of Israelites (the people God chose to be his) was so vast and scattered, it’s practically impossible to count or define. It implies a complete loss of connection and identity with God. Let's break it down word by word: “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea…” – This is a really striking image. The “sand of the sea” symbolizes something incredibly vast, boundless, and difficult to grasp. It’s massive in size and quantity. “…which cannot be measured nor numbered…” - This emphasizes that this number was so enormous that it's beyond any human ability to comprehend or count accurately. It's not just a large number; it's impossible to pin down. “and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people…” – This is the core of the message. Hosea is pointing out that God had told the Israelites they weren’t his people before this point. This phrase means: “It will happen that, in this specific location, they will realize they are not truly God's people.” “…[that] there [it] shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.” – This is a very dramatic and important part. It’s saying that God has abandoned them. The “living God” refers to God as a being who is always present and active, not just a distant or abstract concept. It means they have lost their connection with God's presence and the divine nature within them. In essence, the verse warns of a spiritual wasteland – a loss of identity and purpose because Israel has become disconnected from God. It’s a lament about a broken relationship and a potential for eternal separation. What does this mean practically? Historically, it's often interpreted as a commentary on the Israelites’ wandering in exile and their abandonment of their covenant with God. It speaks to a fundamental loss of faith and direction. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Are you wondering what the historical context is? Do you want to know how this verse relates to a particular event?)