The Book of Hosea is one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. Although called "minor" because of their shorter length rather than their importance, Hosea contains one of the Bible's most powerful messages about God's faithful love. The book is named after the prophet Hosea, whose name means "salvation." He ministered in the northern kingdom of Israel during the eighth century BC, probably between about 755 and 725 BC, in the years before Israel was conquered by Assyria in 722 BC.

Hosea lived at a time when Israel was prosperous, but beneath the surface the nation had turned away from God. Idolatry, injustice, political intrigue and empty religious rituals had become widespread. The people had broken the covenant God had made with them, placing their trust in foreign alliances and false gods instead of in the Lord.

God called Hosea to deliver an unforgettable message through his own family life. Hosea married Gomer, who proved unfaithful to him. Their troubled marriage became a prophetic illustration of Israel's relationship with God. Just as Gomer repeatedly abandoned her husband, so Israel repeatedly abandoned the Lord. Yet Hosea continued to love his wife and sought to restore her, reflecting God's unwavering love for his wayward people. Their children, Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah ("Not Loved") and Lo-Ammi ("Not My People"), were given symbolic names that pointed to God's judgement, but also hinted at the hope of future restoration.