The Kings, Prophets, and Events of Hosea's Era (750-720 BCE)
Hosea prophesied during one of the most tumultuous periods in Israel's history. His ministry spanned approximately 30 years (750-720 BCE), from the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II through the chaotic final years before the Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BCE. During this time, Israel had six kings in twenty years, four of whom were assassinated.
After Jeroboam II's death in 753 BCE, Israel experienced unprecedented political chaos. In just 20 years, six different kings ruled, with four being assassinated. This visual focuses on this tumultuous period that Hosea witnessed firsthand.
| King | Kingdom | Reign | Significance for Hosea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeroboam II | Israel | 793-753 BCE | His long, prosperous reign masked deep spiritual decay. Hosea began prophesying during his final years. |
| Zechariah | Israel | 753-752 BCE | Last of Jehu's dynasty. His assassination fulfilled Hosea's prophecy about Jezreel (1:4). |
| Shallum | Israel | 752 BCE | His brief reign exemplified the political instability Hosea condemned. |
| Menahem | Israel | 752-742 BCE | Brutal ruler who paid tribute to Assyria. Hosea criticized dependence on foreign powers (7:11; 8:9). |
| Pekahiah | Israel | 742-740 BCE | Another assassination victim. The cycle of violence Hosea described continued (7:7). |
| Pekah | Israel | 740-732 BCE | Allied with Aram against Assyria. Lost much territory. Hosea's "silly dove" diplomacy (7:11). |
| Hoshea | Israel | 732-722 BCE | Last king of Israel. His rebellion against Assyria led to Samaria's fall. |
| Uzziah | Judah | 792-740 BCE | Long, prosperous reign. Contemporary with early Hosea. |
| Jotham | Judah | 750-732 BCE | Relatively righteous king. Hosea occasionally references Judah's better spiritual state. |
| Ahaz | Judah | 735-715 BCE | His alliance with Assyria paralleled Israel's political mistakes. |
| Hezekiah | Judah | 715-686 BCE | Great reformer king. His reign began as Israel fell. |
Death of Jeroboam II marked the end of Israel's last period of prosperity and stability. Hosea likely began his ministry during this transition, warning that prosperity without faithfulness was meaningless.
Zechariah's assassination ended Jehu's dynasty, fulfilling Hosea's prophecy about Jezreel (1:4). This began two decades of political chaos with multiple coups.
Tiglath-Pileser III transformed Assyria into an aggressive empire. Israel became a vassal state, paying heavy tribute. Hosea saw this as judgment for seeking human rather than divine protection.
Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) allied against Assyria and tried to force Judah to join. The war weakened all parties. Hosea's "silly dove" critique (7:11) targeted this misguided diplomacy.
Assyria conquered Israel's ally, Damascus. Israel lost significant territory and became more isolated. The political alliances Hosea criticized proved worthless.
After Hoshea rebelled against Assyria, Shalmaneser V besieged Samaria for three years. The city fell in 722 BCE to Sargon II. Israel ceased to exist as a nation, fulfilling Hosea's prophecies.
Amos (760-750 BCE) preceded Hosea slightly, also prophesying to the Northern Kingdom. While Amos emphasized social justice, Hosea focused on covenant loyalty. Together they provide complementary critiques of Israel's failures.
Isaiah (740-681 BCE) began his ministry in Judah as Hosea's was ending in Israel. Isaiah witnessed Samaria's fall and warned Judah to learn from Israel's fate.
Micah (735-700 BCE) prophesied in Judah during Israel's final years. Like Hosea, he used covenant lawsuit language and emphasized God's emotional engagement with His people.