Ruhamah

Ruhamah is a symbolic name applied to Israel in Hosea, paired with the masculine name Ammi as a sign of restored relationship.

A Symbolic Name for Israel

Following the prophetic naming oracle of Lo-ammi and Lo-ruhammah in Hosea 1, the next chapter opens with a reversal addressed to the people: "Say⁺ to your⁺ brothers, Ammi; and to your⁺ sisters, Ruhamah" (Ho 2:1). The feminine "Ruhamah" — paired with masculine "Ammi" — functions as the answering name for those formerly called Lo-ruhammah ("not pitied"), marking Israel as once again the object of mercy.