A wanton and adulterous woman repeatedly spurns the love of her youth; her betrayed and grieving husband offers forgiveness and seeks to restore the intimacy of their first love. With this bold imagery, Hosea tells the story of God and his people; and God calls him to embody this divine suffering and redeeming forgiveness in his own marriage. Yet this remarkable story sets the stage for Hosea's message of God's enduring love, righteous judgment and persistent offer of reconciliation. Robin Routledge explores the historical, cultural, literary and theological dimensions of the book.