The designation son of Beeri
is a common ancient Near-Eastern construction. During Hosea’s ministry it is very possible that Beeri would have been known to Hosea’s audience. For readers of Hosea, being identified as Beeri’s son helps us to distinguish Hosea from other Old Testament figures with the same name: Joshua (Numbers 13:8); the last king of Israel, Hoshea (2 Kings 15:30); a post-exilic leader in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 10:23); and a prominent Ephraimite leader (1 Chronicles 27:20).
Apart from the biographical or family details in Hosea 1:1 – 3:5, we know very little else about the prophet. Most commentators agree that he was a northerner, which is apparent from his distinct dialect (grammar) as well as his focus on the kingdom of Israel. Unlike his contemporary (see Amos 1:1), Hosea was almost certainly born in the northern kingdom of Israel and that was where he carried out his prophetic ministry.
1 The word of the LORD that came to Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.