Historical Background Of Hosea

Hosea was the last of the prophets sent to Israel before her fall (2 Kings 17:13-14). His ministry began prior to the death of Jeroboam II . The mention of Assyria may be an allusion to the tribute paid by Menahem to Tiglath-Pileser III about 739 BC (2 Kings 15:19-20). Furthermore, the mention of relations with Egypt (7:11) likely points to the political activity of Hoshea, the last king of Israel (2 Kings 17:3-4).

Religiously—Jeroboam I had introduced calf worship. Later Ahab and Jezebel led the people into Baal worship. Hosea summarized God’s indictments against Israel in one word—“harlotry.” Israel had joined herself to many false gods as an adulteress would join herself to many men. They had prostituted themselves with these false gods for so long that they had forgotten who their God really was (4:6; 8:12). Hosea’s marriage to Gomer—a wife of harlotry—showed him the immeasurable love of God like nothing else could.

Morally—The nation was in ruin and decay. They attempted to be religious even though they were vile, immoral, and ungodly (4:1-2). Even their priests and moral leaders were corrupt.

Message Of Hosea

Summarized in the statement “How can I give you up Ephraim? How can I hand you over Israel? My heart churns within me; my sympathy is stirred.” (11:8). The first three chapters of Hosea’s message relate his personal experience with Gomer. That experience impressed on the prophet God’s feeling for His people who were committing spiritual adultery against Him.