conduct that either conforms to the covenant or contravenes it. It is in this context that the present time can in each given case be defined as a time of salvation or disaster. By naming his son “Not-My-People” (לֹא עַמִּי, Hos 1:9*; cf. 2:1–3* [1:10–2:1*]), Hosea had announced the suspension of the relationship between God and his people. Jeremiah assumes that this relationship cannot be intact if the divine commandments are not kept; as he demonstrates, there is no “peace” (שָׁלוֹם) with
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