One of the amazing claims of the Judaeo-Christian heritage is that God takes on the attributes of humans. God's essence is unknown, but the Scriptures claim that God's actions are known. God experiences what humans experience. In the Old Testament God walks in the Garden of Eden. God closes the door of the ark. God smells the fragrance of sacrificed animals. God chases Moses in the wilderness.

In like manner Hosea describes God as a wronged husband who seeks to recover his wife who has gone chasing after other lovers. Hosea's own marriage to Gomer is a prophetic symbol of the pain and promise in the heart of God in the face of Israel's faithlessness. Like a brokenhearted husband, God woos back God's bride.

Like an eager and joyous young groom, God had married Israel in the wilderness. Th…