6. Chronology. He was a σύγχρονος/contemporary and imitator of Isaiah. The Kings that were Hosea’s contemporaries.
Hosea prophesied in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Hosea 1:1; and so he was σύγχρονος/contemporary of Isaiah, as we have said, and an imitator with respect to his manner of speech. He completed at least sixty whole years in the Prophetic office, whether he began to prophesy while already an adult, or as a youth; which his first Prophecy makes more likely, which appears to have been committed to him while yet a youth contemplating marriage. And the history of those ὁμοχρονίων/contemporaries Kings, and the state of the Commonwealth and Church under them, are more than a little helpful in understanding the Prophecy. The affairs of the Israelites were especially flourishing under Jeroboam II, who reigned some years contemporareously with Uzziah; and so the speech of Hosea, preaching all things frightful, was undoubtedly all the more unpleasant. With respect to the state of Religion, in Israel the sin of Jeroboam I and his ways were continuing. In Judah Uzziah and Jotham did what was right, but, like Amaziah, grandfather of the latter, not with a whole heart. For, Uzziah intruded upon the priesthood, and under them the high places remained, and the people corrupted themselves. Ahaz was impious and an idolater. Hezekiah heartily honored God and restored His worship.