Hosea was a prophet who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel, about 200 years after the split from Judah, before the exile. Living during the reign of Jeroboam II, one of Israel's worst kings, Hosea's turbulent marriage with his wife Gomer becomes a prophetic symbol of the Lord's relationship with his people. His message highlights Israel's sin and idolatry and the impending destruction due to it via Assyria. But he also looks forward to the time when God will renew his covenant with them and to the hope of the promised messianic King.