Hosea prophesied in the reign of Jeroboam II, most likely after Amos had prophesied to Israel, around 750 B.C.  His name means “salvation” or “deliverance,” and although we don’t know exactly where he was from, it appears that he was originally from the northern kingdom of Israel.  Knowing he was sent to Israel in a similar timeframe as Amos is interesting as these men appear to be very different.  Whereas Amos is stern, and his language emphasizes justice, Hosea seems to be focused on mercy and filled with more emotion.  Hosea is still bringing a message of judgment against the Israelites, but the tone is very different from that found in Amos.