Emphasize and Suppress of Metaphor in Hosea 1,2 - 2,15

Abstract

Filtering is a function of metaphor. Filtering emphasizes a specific part of a target indicated by a metaphor while the other part is suppressed. Looking at the metaphor in the book of Hosea in terms of filtering, this paper attempts a new interpretation focusing on the function of metaphor. In Hosea 1-2, the Gomer metaphor symbolizes that ‘the land’, Israel, is to be accused of adultery/treachery against YHWH. Previous studies have tried to understand those adultery/treachery mainly in relation to the historical context of Israel in the eighth century BCE whether it was related to diplomatic events or idolatry of Israel. However, the filtering emphasizes the misconduct of Israel to the reader without indicating specific historical events for the readers of metaphor have already experienced the misconduct including apostasy and political failures of Israel. In doing so, the cause of the catastrophe naturally highlights Israel’s sin. On the other hand, metaphor suppresses the question Israel may raise against YHWH. Although Gomer has been the subject of criticism, there is no direct speech of her in the entire book of Hosea. Instead of her speech, the reader only hears quotations from Gomer by the mouth of the accuser, YHWH. Metaphor thereby serves to suppress the following possible questions posed by Israel: Why did Israel(Gomer) betray YHWH? When Israel betrayed YHWH, what had YHWH done to her? Suppressing these questions, The metaphor makes clear that the causes of catastrophe was sin of Israel.