Hoshea, also spelled Hosea, or Osee, Assyrian Ausi, in the Old Testament (2 Kings 15:30; 17:1–6), son of Elah and last king of Israel (c. 732–724 bc). He became king through a conspiracy in which his predecessor, Pekah, was killed.

Who was king when Hosea was prophet?

According to the superscription, Hosea began his prophetic activity during the reign of Jeroboam II (c. 786–746 bc). His prophetic announcements indicate that he was active until near the fall (721 bc) of the northern kingdom of Israel, the scene of his entire ministry.

What is Hosea known for?

Hosea (active 750-722 B.C.) was a prophet of the kingdom of Israel. He called on Israel to repent its sins of apostasy and warned of the judgment to come from God. His writings form the first of the Old Testament books of the Minor Prophets. Hosea was the son of Beeri and apparently belonged to the upper classes.