Imagery of Love in the Old Testament: A Socio- Rhetorical Reading of the Book of Hosea

About the Book This study is a socio-rhetorical reading of the book of examining the powerful love relationship shown from God to His chosen people (the Israelites) after they have broken the Sinai covenant by worshipping other gods. The study does this through an examination of the metaphors in the book of Hosea describing the imagery of love as a paradigm of covenantal relationship.

The Old Testament prophets constantly speak of God's love in terms of justice, compassion, judgment, etc. Yet in the book of Hosea the theme of personal love husband-wife, father-son, healing love is very clearly defined and appears to be given a strong emphasis when God speaks of His relationship with His people through the Sinal covenant. The researcher is interested in pursuing this theme. The researcher argues that while many authors have studied Hosea, the use of the personal love theme by examining the character of God as shown in the three personal love metaphors in the book has not been studied. Questions) about the nature of this relationship remain to be explored is it is a legal covenant type love or is there some deeper motivation that guides God to act in the way He does? The researcher explores the idea that the reason God kept His side of the covenant in spite of Israel's backsliding is because the stakes were higher. He wants to send a message to the other nations. The researcher wants to unravel how the rhetorical imagery reveals this unstated purpose. By probing these questions the researcher evaluates Hosea's special contribution as God's chosen messenger to the understanding that Israel had of its unique covenantal relationship to God and its role in reaching out to the other nations.

About the Author Rev. Dr. N. Subramani is from the Lutheran background and hails from Madras (presently called Chennai). He did his theological education under the Senate of Serampore College (University) and holds a Doctorate in Old Testament studies for his research in the book of Hosea. Earlier he served with World Vision as Animator, later as Coordinator in India Bible Literature. He Has also worked in Churachandpur, Manipur and Orissa, and presently he serves as Assistant Director Translations in the Bible Society of India, Bangalore. He has contributed extensively through his writings in many national and international journals. He is married to Ruby and blessed with 2 daughters.

**Contents and Sample Pages**