Named After a Notorious Place
Jezreel is the first son of Hosea and Gomer. His name is an allusion to a place called Jezreel. Though there are many people in the Bible who have a place named after them, this may be the first time in Scripture we see a person named after a place.
What happened in Jezreel is notorious. This is where the overzealous—or perhaps power-hungry—Jehu slays all who remain in the family of evil king Ahab. He also murders the king’s advisors, close friends, and priests.
Though God wants Ahab punished for his ungodly behavior, there’s no hint this extends to his counselors, friends, and priests.
The arrival of Hosea’s son foreshadows the impending arrival of God’s punishment on the nation of Israel, ending their existence as a country.
Though the stated reason for this judgment is Jehu’s massacre, what he did represents the nation’s repeated rejection of God over several centuries.
Jezreel’s birth signals the end of the nation of Israel.
What does our name mean?
How do we react to having that connection?
[Read about Jezreel in Hosea 1:4–5. Discover more in 2 Kings 10:11 and Hosea 2:21–23.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.