Hosea 3:1 - The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann

Then said the Lord unto me, Go yet, that is, once more, again, in a second venture, love a woman beloved of her friend, the word being used often for husband, yet an adulteress, one still regarded and surrounded with conjugal love by her lawful husband, though estranged from him on account of her adulterous acts, according to the love of the Lord toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love flagons of wine, rather, raisin-cakes, such as were used in idol-worship. Cf Jeremiah 7:18. Just as Jehovah loves the children of Israel, although they turn to other gods, so the prophet should love this woman, who would become guilty of adultery.