by her participation in a pagan rite” (1974:15). Such an act, once performed, could never be undone. Both these points are contradicted by Hosea 2. First, the way is open to reconciliation if the wife will desist from her adulteries; secondly, the remedial measures taken by the husband only drive her to be more blatant and defiant. Hence her promiscuity is not simply in the past. the land. See Lev 19:29. This comprehensive word, with sacred associations, covers everybody—kings, priests, people. Also,