The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.
God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, an unfaithful woman, as a prophetic sign.
Hosea's children receive prophetic names: Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi.
Hosea buys back Gomer after she becomes a slave, symbolizing God's redeeming love.
Hosea prophesies to Israel during its final decades before Assyrian conquest.
