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Introduction
We are living in times of confusion, demoralization, and anxiety because of both national and international developments; the land in which we live devours its rulers. In order to avert total collapse of the country, the Government must institute an all-out tax upon the wealthy.
This is Bernhard Anderson’s depiction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in circa. 745 b.c.e. A new ruler has arisen in Assyria. His name is Tiglath-pilesser III. The Assyrians are the most powerful country and it seeks to conquer Egypt. Its foreign policy is to exile the inhabitants of the lands it conquers.
Assyria must pass through the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The latter’s king, whose name is Menachem, imposes a heavy tax upon the wealthy in order to appease the Assyrians, which works only for a short period, for not only is there the constant pressure to avert war, the kingdom is corrupt. There is intrigue, and idolatrous worship. This is the setting in which Hosea will prophesize.
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