Publisher's Synopsis
HOSEA, whose book is the first of the so-called Minor Prophets, was a contemporary of Isaiah throughout almost his entire ministry, as also of Amos in his earlier years. Of Hosea's personal history it has not pleased God to give us any particulars, save in relation to his marriage, and the issue therefrom. His father's name is given as Beeri, but neither the prophet's tribe nor the place of his nativity is mentioned. Hosea means help, or salvation. With a single vowel-point added it becomes Hoshea, salvation of Jah. Beeri is said to mean The well of Jehovah. The two names together remind us of the Lord's words to the woman of Samaria. He offered her living water from Jehovah's well, which would result in her assured salvation.
