AMMI

am'-i (`ammi, "my people"): A symbolic name given to Israel by Hosea (2:1; 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 1:9-10). This restoration to the Divine favor is more fully described in Hosea 2:21,23 in words quoted by Paul (Romans 9:25-26). The use of such figurative and descriptive names is frequent in the Old Testament; compare Isaiah 62:4,12.

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.