Why does God sometimes seem to act like a jealous lover? (Hosea 2:13–14)

13 I will punish her for the days
    she burned incense to the Baals;
she decked herself with rings and jewelry,
    and went after her lovers,
    but me she forgot,”
declares the Lord.

14 “Therefore I am now going to allure her;
    I will lead her into the wilderness
    and speak tenderly to her.

Hosea 2:13 - 14

ESV - ¹³ And I will punish her for the feast days of the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry, and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord. ¹⁴ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked September 26 2019 • Jack Gutknecht