The New Bride of the Oracle

Jerusalem is described as a nimpmaniac, wanting the attentions of ever one who passes by. Her adulteries are described in a way that plays off the two different levels of meaning. On one level we see the nation setting up shrines for its idolatries. And on the other level, we see a prostitute at the street corner having a pedestal from which she would appeal to customers. Jerusalem presents the children on that she was supposed to have born to the lord, to these idles and false gods. The imagery appalls our modern sensibilities, but we should not assume that ancient israelites sensibilities would have been untroubled by such images.