Hosea's ministry to Israel
Hosea 1–3; 6:6; 11:1; Matthew 2:15; 9:13
God told Hosea to marry Gomer, who was unfaithful to him, as a living picture of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's unfailing love.
For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6 (World English Bible)
Hosea bought his wife back after she had left him, just as God would not give up on his people. Jesus quoted Hosea twice: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,” and Matthew applies “called my son out of Egypt” to Jesus.
Places
Dating notes
Hosea prophesied from Uzziah and Jeroboam II to Hezekiah (Hosea 1:1), a span of several decades. Dates shown are estimates.