The Book Of Hosea

Who is the Author?

According to Hosea 1:1, the author of the book is Hosea, son of Beeri. Hosea’s ministry spanned several decades, beginning near the end of the reigns of Uzziah of Judah (ca.790–739 BCE) and Jeroboam II of Israel (ca. 793–753 BCE) and concluding in the early years of Hezekiah’s reign.1 The name Hosea means “salvation.” He preached in the Northern Kingdom (Israel, also called Ephraim) during a period of national decline. When Hosea began his ministry, Jeroboam II was king, and it was a time of great prosperity. However, the nation was rotting away inwardly and became involved with foreign alliances instead of trusting God to lead and protect them. Hosea lived to see Israel taken captive by the Assyrians in 721 BCE.2 We know little about Hosea’s background. His father, Beeri, appears only in Hosea 1:1.No other Old Testament book mentions this prophet, and New Testament references to Hosea’s words give us no information about the prophet himself. We do know that Hosea lived and prophesied in the northern kingdom. Although he had an occasional word about Judah, Hosea focused on Israel. He challenged God’s people to recognize their sinful ways and repent.3