What does it mean that the people will call God “Husband” rather than “Baal”?

In its simplest form, it suggests that Israel will eventually respond positively to God’s gracious call to reconcile their covenant relationship. Since the word Baal—meaning my master/lord—was also used in the Old Testament (e.g., Exodus 21:3) to speak of a husband’s ownership over his household, a different word for husband is introduced here. The old one will be forgotten (Hosea 2:17). This semantic confusion points to the current syncretistic worship practices of Israel.¹ The removal of Baal’s name from their lips implies that Israel’s worship will be purified from all forms of idolatry.