Imagery in the prophecy of Hosea

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The study of the images in the book of Hosea has always been dominated by a single semantic field - family life. Nwaoru adopts a more comprehensive approach which points to the conclusion that all Hosea’s images (metaphors and similes) are essentially functional literary devices and, therefore, indispensable for the overall understanding of Hosea’s message. More than other aspects of Hosea’s language and style his images succinctly define Jahweh’s mood and Israel’s behaviour. They set the dynamism of the oracles and the complications along which the prophetic message develops. This study also challenges the view that Hosea uncritically draws his images from other traditions. Close observation shows that Hosea not only creates most of his images but also introduces them into biblical tradition.