Hosea (ho-zç'ah), salvation. Son of Beeri, and one of the minor prophets. His prophetic career extended from b.c. 784 to 725, a period of 59 years. The prophecies of Hosea were delivered in the kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam II. was ruler, and Israel was at the height of its splendor. Nothing is known of the prophet's life excepting what may be gained from his book.