The first half of the eighth century was a time of relative peace and prosperity for Israel. This is due to external and internal political affairs. Externally, the global superpowers of Assyria and Egypt were taken up with other matters.1 Internally, King Jeroboam II reigned from 793–745 BC, providing political stability and economic growth. Since Hosea’s ministry at the very least began toward the end of the long reigns of both Uzziah and Jeroboam II, this would have been a time of relative comfort and political stability.2
The second half of the eighth century saw this peace and prosperity reversed, both internally and externally. Assyria rose to prominence again under Tigleth-pileser III, who campaigned to ruthlessly expand his nation’s borders. And Israel were governed by a revolving door of bad leaders.
3 The kingdom went from Zechariah to Shallum (2 Kings 15:8–10) for all of one month before Menahem assassinated him (2 Kings 15:13–14). His son Pekahiah succeeded him before Pekah took the kingdom from him (2 Kings 15:25). Hoshea was the last king of the northern kingdom (2 Kings 15:30).
Thus, Hosea’s ministry spanned Israel’s slow demise, starting with the end of the Jehu’s dynasty and Jeroboam II’s death, followed by a political tailspin (see 2 Kings 15:1–38), eventually ending with the destruction of Samaria (2 Kings 17:1–41).4 Though this might not fit perfectly with the flow of Hosea, the prophet certainly addresses complacency (Hosea 2:7, Hosea 2:10, Hosea 2:15) and later desperation in foreign affairs (Hosea 7:8–12; Hosea 12:1).
During this period two great temptations emerged for Israel and both concerned where they were to put their trust.5 Sadly, they did not choose their covenant Lord who promised to secure their borders and bless their land with abundance. First, they turned to the pagan worship of Baal. This false god was believed to be the god of fertility. They looked to him for their rain, crops, and offspring. Second, they turned to other kings and made political alliances. They were especially tempted to pay tributes to Assyria in exchange for protection. These are the two temptations behind many of the charges that Hosea brings before Israel through his striking metaphors.
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.