Definition: Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 1:11. It’s a pretty powerful message about God’s plan for Israel’s future. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s intention to bring all the Israelites (and later, the Jewish people) together again and create a unified nation. It’s essentially saying, “God is going to rebuild his people and bring them back into a single, strong community.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together…” This refers to all the Israelites – meaning both the people who lived in the land of Judah (modern-day Israel) and the people who were part of the Jewish community. It's a broad gathering. “…and appoint themselves one head…” This is the key part. God isn’t just bringing them together; he’s establishing something – a single, unified entity. He’s giving them a common purpose and identity. “…and they shall come up out of the land:” This means they will leave their current situation and move to a new place, likely a place of rebuilding and renewed purpose. It's a symbolic movement, like leaving a troubled homeland to find a better one. “For great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.” This is where it gets really significant. "Jezreel" was a specific valley in the Levant (modern-day Lebanon) that God described as a place of great trouble and impending doom. “Great” here means very large – it's a huge, momentous event. It’s like saying this will be a time of immense consequence. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the coming of a period of intense upheaval and rebuilding for Israel. God promises to restore his people after a time of trouble. It suggests that this gathering will lead to a renewed focus on righteousness, worship, and a unified identity with God. It’s a hopeful message about restoration and covenant renewal. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of Hosea 1:11 is debated among theologians. However, it's generally understood as a foundational moment in the Old Testament that lays the groundwork for later events and promises. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Discuss its symbolism or relevance today?