Have you ever wondered what happened to Hosea’s children? I’m sure that it was not easy growing up in an environment that was hostile to Hosea’s message and especially carrying names that reflected that message. Jezreel – God sows; Lo-Ruhamah – No mercy; Lo-Ammi – Not my people. How would you like to have those names on a resume? The answer to that first question is that we don’t know. Hosea’s message spanned somewhere between 60-70 years. Did his children follow in the footsteps of their father and become prophets to the nation of Israel?
“We are never told but we do know of others who carried the prophetic mantle“
Isaiah was married to a prophetess (8:3) and bore him two children. Shear-Jashub – A remnant shall return; Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz- Speed the spoil, Hasten the booty. When Rezin and Pekah came against Ahaz, the son of Jotham, Isaiah was told to take his son, Shear-Jashub and meet them at the “end of the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field” (7:3) with a message from God. Did Isaiah’s children learn from their dad how to hear the voice of God?
Zechariah followed in the footsteps of his grandfather as a prophet: “the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet” (1:1). Zechariah had prophetic visions and revelations of events pertaining to the Messiah and Israel’s future. Was he taught how to hear the voice of God, while sitting on the lap of his granddad?
Philip the evangelist was one of the seven deacons chosen to give administrative oversight to the early church. But it was more than his abilities, for he was known as a man “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (6:3). He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (21:8-9). The apostle Paul stayed at their house in Caesarea while returning to Jerusalem. Where did they learn how to listen for the voice of God?
Is it possible that our lives could become so cluttered that we become deaf to the voice of God? If He spoke, and He still does, would we recognize His voice? Will our children or grandchildren learn to hear the voice of God from us and if not us, then where?
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Is: 30:21).
Blessings!
So many questions about the OT prophets and their children. I’m afraid I can’t answer them, but it is certainly something to think about. In Philip’s case, it should have been easier, and it’s good that his daughters prophesied. YES, our lives are much too busy/noisy and cluttered with unimportant stuff. I find it easier to have quiet times when I live alone, but I’m not good at witnessing to my grandkids/great grandkids. I hope that ‘actions’ will speak louder than my feeble words. I try to be obedient when I have a nudge to help someone…. but wish I could do more. I love Is 30:21