Early in his ministry, Israel (Jeroboam II) & Judah (Uzziah) were both strong, while the empires around them were not. Jeroboam, especially, expanded their territory and reigned over a period of great prosperity. But while prosperity increased, so did immorality and idolatry. Hosea’s message confronted the nation with its corruption, idolatry, immorality, and wickedness.