The previous marriage had ended in disaster. Israel had “played the harlot” (v. 5) and God had disowned her (v. 2). But He was willing to take back His unfaithful spouse and restore her to her former estate. It was hoped that the unsatisfying experience of her former waywardness would help to assure the permanence of the new contract. God was willing to do His part. As far as He was concerned the new union was to continue “for ever.” Whether the plan was to succeed or not depended on Israel (see p. 34).