The Beginning of the Book of Hosea (1:1-3)

The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel: 2 When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to

Historical Background to the Book of Hosea

The prophet Hosea lived in the north kingdom of Israel at the time of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) and after. He probably began prophesying around 760 BC. His oracles predicted the destruction and exile of his nation. At the time, Israel was prosperous and, since things seemed to be going well, people were little inclined

Introduction to the Book of Hosea

Most scholars think that the book of Hosea was written between 760 and 720 BC in the north kingdom of Israel. We have little historical information about Hosea and his family. In his book, Hosea tells us little about himself or his family except in relation to his prophecies. He mentions a wife in chapters