In this pericope, we are shown again Israel’s fickleness and fluctuations in their love and devotion toward God. But what is amazing in all of this is that although the Lord disciplines his people with adversity because of their unfaithfulness, he does not change his love or purpose toward Israel. Although he disciplined them, and sometimes harshly, he did not make a full end of Israel as he did with other nations (Jeremiah 30:11; Jeremiah 46:28). God does not delight in afflicting his people with adversity (Hosea 11:8). Rather, out of his constant, steadfast, and unchanging love for his people, he seeks their well-being. Thus he calls them to repentance, with the promise of blessings. As Jeremiah wrote, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). God’s steadfast love and faithfulness are anchored in Jesus Christ. God looked upon Israel in unwavering love for Christ’s sake. God would vent his full wrath and punishment for Israel’s sins upon Christ.