IDOLS IN THE NORTH: To reveal himself to the nations, God inaugurated an unique relationship with one people, Israel. Chosen, holy and married to the Lord, Israel occupied a special place in the unfolding drama of redemption. The history of that relationship is marked by fidelity on God’s part and infidelity on Israel’s part. Hosea addresses the idolatry and adultery of the Northern Kingdom specifically and we set the historical and geographical context of the book.