On the heels of glorious triumph, Israel plunged into idolatry on the flimsiest of excuses. God’s nation flunked the loyalty test, with disastrous consequences. From our vantage point, it seems incomprehensible that Israel fell into idolatry. As we study this sad story, we do so in light of
Peace treaties and home mortgages are ratified by signatures of the parties involved. Marriages are ratified by vows spoken before witnesses. The point is the same: promises are made and solemnly sealed. Then the work of promise-keeping begins. A marriage, as it were, was begun between God and