Overview
Through his marriage to the unfaithful Gomer, Hosea portrays Israel's apostasy from YHWH. He indicts the nation for idolatry and injustice and pronounces judgment, yet proclaims that YHWH's covenant love will ultimately turn Israel back and restore it.
Theme YHWH's steadfast covenant love (hesed) toward an unfaithful people
Historical background
Hosea prophesied during the reigns of the Judean kings from Uzziah to Hezekiah and of Jeroboam II of Israel. After Jeroboam II, the Northern Kingdom suffered repeated usurpations and political turmoil, seeking alliances with both Assyria and Egypt. Baal worship and social injustice in this period form the background of the prophecy, and Samaria fell to Assyria in 722 BC.