am´ı̄ ( עמּי , ‛ammı̄ , "my people"): A symbolic name given to Israel by Hosea (Hosea 2:1; Hosea 2:3 in Hebrew text), descriptive of Israel in the state of restoration, and in contrast to sinful and rejected Israel, represented by Hosea's son, who was called Lo-ammi, "not my people," when born to the prophet ( Hosea 1:9 , Hosea 1:10 ). This restoration to the Divine favor is more fully described in Hosea 2:21 , Hosea 2:23 in words quoted by Paul ( Romans 9:25 , Romans 9:26 ). The use of such figurative and descriptive names is frequent in the Old Testament; compare Isaiah 62:4 , Isaiah 62:12 .
Source
- part_of
source-manifest/isbe— ISBE (PD)