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In vivid, sometimes coarse terms, Israel’s response to God’s election is portrayed in an unflattering allegory. First, God chose her in spite of her pagan origins, with no qualities to deserve such a choice. Second, he chose her even though as a people she was rejected, an outcast. As she grew and developed, God provided everything good for her, choosing her as his bride. As his bride, she was given everything she needed, and much more—food, clothing, beautiful adornment. But what did she do? She became a prostitute and gave herself to the gods of all the surrounding nations. Preferring these gods, she went so far as to pay or bribe these lovers contrary to what prostitutes usually do (vv.32-34). The best thing that could be said of her was the familiar proverb, “Like mother, like daughter” (v.44)! She had become even worse than her pagan origins.
Fortunately for Israel, God’s great covenant loyalty, steadfast love (Heb. ḥesed) came through again (vv.59-63). Because she had broken her covenant with God, her true spouse, God said, “I will deal with you as you deserve” (v.59), presumably referring to the discipline of the Exile. He still would keep his end of the covenant made with Israel in the wilderness (Ex 19-24) and “establish an everlasting covenant” with her, and make atonement for her (vv.60-63). Then she would remember and know he is the Lord.