Hosea is the first book of the twelve minor prophets. Because the times are outwardly prosperous, idolatry prevails and immorality is rampant. Hosea urges a return to God in order that He may show mercy and forgiveness.

Hosea 12

12:11 Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.