Hosea lived in Israel during a time of political anarchy, social compromise and corruption, and religious idolatry. He experienced God's command to marry an unfaithful wife, Gomer, as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry. Hosea's key messages were that Israel was sinful but God is holy; judgment for sin is sure as God is just; and though Israel was rebellious, God still loves them. He called Israel to repent from idolatry and return to God's merciful love.