Definition: And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, [that] thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 2:16. It's a really important and somewhat surprising part of Hosea’s message about God’s relationship with his people. Here’s the simple explanation: In short, Hosea is saying that God wants to be known as “Ishii” – meaning ‘the one’ – and he doesn’t want to be called “Baali” anymore. Let's unpack it a little further: “And it shall be at that day…” : This refers to a specific future event, likely the end of Hosea’s relationship with his wife, Betsey. It’s about a significant turning point in their story. “…sayest the LORD…” : This is God speaking directly. “[that] thou shalt call me Ishi” : This is the core of the verse. God is declaring that he wants to be known as “Ishii.” It's a declaration of his desire for recognition and respect. “And shalt call me no more Baali” : This is where it gets interesting. "Baali" was Hosea’s previous name. By saying, "no more Baali," God is essentially rejecting the old, flawed identity and embracing a new one. It signifies a complete shift in focus – a desire for a deeper, more authentic relationship. What does this mean practically? It's about a change of heart: Hosea isn’t just saying he doesn't like being called "Baali." He’s declaring a fundamental shift in his understanding of how to relate to God and to his people. It’s about seeking a better relationship: God is wanting to be known, respected, and valued – not as a flawed person, but as the ultimate source of love and truth. Why is this important? This verse is a powerful expression of God's holiness and his desire for a relationship with humanity that is free from imperfection. It’s about recognizing that God is perfect and that He desires to be known in His true, complete glory. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse within Hosea? Explore why Hosea might have said this? Discuss the significance of this verse for understanding Hosea’s message?