Chapter 3

Chapter 3 is a scathing focus on idolatry. The metaphor used to speak of idolatry is that of sexual infidelity. Chapters like this are tough in scripture because the metaphor employed moves back and forth from a spouse unfaithful in a marriage to a child who rejects the love of a parent. It is uncomfortable to read. 
The metaphors ought not cement hierarchical thinking about relationships. They are intended to speak of the pain experienced by God as ones he loves have turned away. 
There is this refrain in the chapter. “Look up to the hills.” Here the reason is that the hills were the places where false gods were worshipped. There were altars and shrines in the hills to rain gods and storm gods. These two nations had turned away from God who loved them to these false gods. The language of infidelity is used to express the anguish felt by God. 
There is a failure, on the part of Israel and Judah to see and to know their worth. They have turned from the life-giving love of God to the worthlessness of false gods. The chapter becomes hard to read when God speaks of the nations, “playing the whore”. Such language seems misogynistic and brutal. I pray as I read such language. “Dear God, help me to see who you are by seeing the love of Jesus. Help me to see here, your broken heart over people and over the world.” 
And then; 
Even in this tough chapter, there is talk of return and blessing and future promise. After noting the pain of separation, God promises reconciliation and fulfillment. “I will give you shepherds after your own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” 

Dear God; I wrestle with this chapter. I don’t like the sounds of it. In my ear it can sound like an abusive spouse on the attack. Give me ears to hear. Help me to hear instead your love for humanity and the pain you take into yourself. In my Christian faith help me to see that judgment is exercised on the cross, in Jesus taking on the sin of all the world, even my own. I can see the pain that we cause each other in this world. We can hear the cries of mourning. Show me today what it means to trust in you and to love others. Amen.