Like the Book of Amos, the Book of Hosea is addressed to the people of the northern kingdom — Israel. Its fourteen chapters contain both a warning concerning future events and an interpretation of these events' meanings. Throughout the book, the prophet speaks to the people of Israel about the critical situation that developed during the years that immediately followed the death of Jeroboam II. When Amos prophesied the disaster that would befall the nation, he was promptly repudiated by those who were "at ease in Zion" and who were confident that no evil would ever come upon their land. However, when Hosea came on the scene only a few years later, these attitudes had changed. Events had occurred that shook the confidence of even the most optimistic persons. No longer was there a stable government on which the people could rely. The line of kings changed rapidly, and often the change was attended by violence. With invasion by the Assyrian armies imminent, Israel kept the peace only by paying an enormous tribute to the Assyrian rulers.
To raise this tribute, it was necessary to impose a policy of taxation that placed a difficult burden on the people, but there were always those who resented paying tribute to a foreign power. At times, this resentment led to open revolt. The Israelite king would be murdered and his assassin would take over the reins of government. The situation was chaotic, and no one seemed to know what to do. In their desperation, the priests increased the number of sacrifices, offered more prayers, and called more solemn assemblies, but none of these measures stemmed the downward tide. Under these strained and trying circumstances, Hosea performed his mission as a spokesman for Yahweh. The first part of Hosea records the tragic story of the prophet's unhappy marital experiences. Hosea's wife, Gomer, whom he married in good faith, proved to be an adulterous woman. Three children were born to her, but they were not Hosea's. Because of Gomer's unfaithfulness, the prophet divorced his wife and lived apart from her. Following her separation from the home, Gomer continued her adulterous life and eventually was scarcely different from an ordinary slave. But Hosea still loved her in spite of her unfaithfulness. To rescue her from her lovers, he sought her out and purchased her freedom.
