Hosea prophesied around 750 BC, warning the northern tribes of Israel's impending doom due to their lack of knowledge of God, idolatry, corruption, and sinfulness. The Israelites trusted the wrong sources for help instead of God, were guilty of grievous sins like bloodshed and immorality while still performing meaningless rituals, and had corrupt leaders. Hosea called them to repentance, but they did not heed his warnings. God commands all people today to repent and obey him as well.