Definition: And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little [while], and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 1:4. It’s a really important passage in the Bible that speaks about repentance and judgment. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is going to hold a reckoning – a time of punishment – for a specific group of people (the house of Israel) who weren’t listening to him. He’s setting the stage for a very significant event in the future. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel…” – This is a direct command from God. He’s giving this person (Hosea) a specific name: Jezreel. It’s a bit of an old-fashioned naming tradition back then. “…for yet a little [while], and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu…” – This is the core of the verse. “Yet a little while” means it's not going to happen immediately, but it’s a long-term process. "I will avenge the blood of Jezreel…" This is crucially important. It suggests that God intends to punish this group for their failings and mistakes. “The house of Jehu” refers to the kingdom of Israel under King Jehu – a king who was accused of evil and murdered by his wife. “…and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.” – This is the result of God’s judgment. He'll stop the kingdom of Israel, which is a whole nation, from continuing as it was before. It means there’s going to be a period where they are not flourishing or thriving. What’s the big takeaway? This verse sets up a future event – a period of punishment and judgment for a specific group. It's about God’s commitment to justice and his desire to correct their ways. It’s a warning, but also a promise that God is working to bring about a better future for them. Context - Why is this important? This verse appears in the context of Hosea’s relationship with Israel after they had been wandering in sin and idolatry for many years. It's a call to repentance, urging them to change their ways before it’s too late. It’s essentially saying, "We need to stop this behavior now because it will lead to serious consequences." In short, Hosea 1:4 is a prophecy about God’s judgment and the future consequences of Israel's disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a more detailed explanation of Hosea’s role in this passage?