# Hosea ## Facts: Hosea was a prophet of Israel who lived and prophesied about 750 years before the time of Christ. * His ministry lasted for many years through the reigns of several kings, such as Jeroboam, Zechariah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hoshea, Uzziah, and Hezekiah. * Hosea was told by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer and to continue to love her, even though she was unfaithful to him. * This was a picture of God's love for his unfaithful people, Israel. * Hosea prophesied against the people of Israel because of their sin, warning them to turn away from worshipping idols. (Translation suggestions: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]]) (See also: [Ahaz](../names/ahaz.md), [Hezekiah](../names/hezekiah.md), [Hoshea](../names/hoshea.md), [Jeroboam](../names/jeroboam.md), [Jotham](../names/jotham.md), [Uzziah](../names/uzziah.md), [Zechariah (OT)](../names/zechariahot.md)) ## Bible References: * [Hosea 01:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/hos/01/01) * [Hosea 01:3-5](rc://en/tn/help/hos/01/03) * [Hosea 01:6-7](rc://en/tn/help/hos/01/06) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H1954, G5617 ## Forms Found in the English ULB: Hosea, Hosea's