Key-word, “Return;” Key-verse, 14:9.-This message is for the northern kingdom, Israel, of which Hosea was a native (?). The mortal throes of that kingdom were at hand; and Israel, rebuked as the faithless wife of a divine Husband, is bidden to return from her backslidings unto him. This unique Ephraimite book scarce mentions Judah, and does not openly refer to Jerusalem. Hosea’s period spans half a century. [p. 71] HBS 40.2