"Therefore I am now going to allure her. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to

Few metaphorical representations of divine-human relations are as poignant and potent as that used here. God is seen in a vexed and impossible position in the face of human evil. He is a cuckolded husband. His wanton spouse has treated him badly. Nonetheless here he is, full of romantic intent, determined to recapture her affections. He muses his feelings aloud. He has been made to look ridiculous but his passionate regard remains undiminished. No loves as God loves.