This verse introduces the whole book. The word of Yahweh came to Hosea, the son (possibly descendant) of Beeri, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (cf. Isa. 1:1). It also came to him during the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (cf. Amos 1:1). As explained above under "Date,"Hosea's ministry probably extended from about 760-715 B.C. Hosea's name means "He [Yahweh] has saved"and is a variation of "Joshua"(cf. Num. 13:8, 16; Greek Jesus). We know nothing else about Beeri ("my wellspring") or any of Hosea's other ancestors or his hometown.
