The Prophet's Sermons: Warning of Disaster (2:1–10:25): The prophet’s opening sermon, dated prior to Josiah’s reform in 621, is direct, even abrupt. The first scene (2:1–3) shows God with his people, who are like a new bride on a honeymoon. But almost at once there is trouble. The last scene (3:1–5) puts divorce talk squarely at the center. It is a case of a ruined marriage. God does not want a divorce. Through these verses rings the pathos of a hurt marriage partner. The strong feelings that accompany the marriage breakup are caught in the questions God poses, the quotations from the people, and the picturesque language about wells, donkeys, camels, lions, yokes, vines, brides, and prostitutes.

Here is sweet talk about a honeymoon, nostalgic talk about good times, angry talk about people t…