the marriage metaphor since this metaphor overlaps at key points with banquet and wilderness traditions, especially in Hosea. Chapter 6 then tracks the development and application of these motifs in the Second Temple Period. These four chapters form a database of traditions which were available to teachers such as Jesus in the first century. These strands of tradition were woven and adapted in various combinations to address new situations such as the anticipated end of the exile (Qumran) or the