Hosea is the first of what is considered the minor prophets of the Bible. They are called minor prophets because they are shorter in length than other prophetic books of the Bible. Hosea confronted the people of the tribes of Israel because they ignored the Law of God and worshiped other gods. Hosea encouraged those who were faithful through the promise of the Messiah. He confronted the priests for not remembering the Law of God. He proclaimed judgement on Israel and told of a time when the Lord would show mercy toward His people.