Gomer

GOMER. - 1. A people descended from Japheth according to the table of nations (Gen. 10:2; cf. 1 Chron. 1:5).

In Akkadian inscriptions it appears in the form Gi-mir-ra-i, in which it is easy to discern the equivalent of the Κυμέριον of the Greek authors (cf. Odyssey, XI, 14; Herodotus, IV, 12 ff.). This people, probably of Thracian origin, dwelt in the historical period on the northern coasts of the Black Sea. Having emigrated to Asia Minor, particularly into Armenia and Cappadocia, it had relations that were often hostile with the neighboring Assyrians. At least some of its offshoots pushed as far as Lydia, where they came into conflict with various kings until they were driven back by King Alyattes.

In the Bible, especially in Ezek. 38:6, the term G., rather than a people or a tribe with well-defined ethnic characteristics, denotes the peoples who dwelt in the regions farthest to the north with respect to Palestine.

2. Daughter of Diblaim, known as a harlot. The prophet Hosea was obliged to marry her by a command of God, who intended to take the prophet's marriage as a symbol of His relations with the people of Israel (cf. Hos. 1:3 ff.).