After establishing the historical and theological backdrop for Hosea, the book focuses on the connection between Hosea's marriage to Gomer and the Lord's marriage to his people. Though many were deaf to Hosea's preaching, even the dullest could see his grief, sympathize with his sorrow, and wonder at his persistent love. Hosea's marriage was a living sermon: What Hosea did for Gomer, God did for Israel; what Gomer did to Hosea, Israel did to God.