Hosea (Hebrew origin: Salvation)
(Hosea 1:1). 8th century b.c.e.
The prophet Hosea preached in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Jeroboam II almost until the fall of Samaria in 721 b.c.e. He married Gomer, who gave birth to three children—Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah, and Lo-ammi. Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea, who mentioned in his prophecies his unfortunate marital situation to illustrate the relationship between God and Israel. The dominant theme of Hosea's preaching is God's love and compassion for Israel, despite the idolatry of the people and their "playing the harlot" (Jeremiah 2:20) with Canaanite religions and practices. God would punish Israel for her infidelity in the same way as a husband punishes an unfaithful wife, by casting her out of her home. This meant that the people would go into exile. Despite this, God's love for Israel would never cease, and eventually He would welcome Israel like a forgiving
husband who takes back his unfaithful wife.
Read more biographies from Who's Who in the Jewish Bible.
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