Hosea was a Prophet who lived in the days of the following Kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Also, during Hosea’s life Jeroboam, son of Joash, was king of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Hosea prophesied about the coming destruction of both Israel and Judah for turning away from God and being unfaithful. God through Hosea used the analogy of a wife turning away from her husband and committing adultery.
God viewed His relationship with Israel as a marriage where God is the husband and Israel is the wife. Marriage is an intimate relationship with a strong bond of love. It is also a covenant relationship where each commits their lives to the other. Israel broke this covenant and turned away from God. The result was much like a divorce, and God separated from Israel. However, the Bible says that God has not totally abandoned Israel.
One day God will restore His intimate relationship with Israel and fully return them to the land that God gave to them. God will enable Israel to know Him through Jesus Christ who will one day soon be King of Israel. This time the relationship will last, and it will last forever.
