We have said that the teaching of Hosea has its roots in the events of the Exodus and the period of the Israelites' life in the wilderness. The idea of a period of suffering and oppression, separated from prosperity and blessing, which will result from conquest and exile for Israel, is linked with the suffering of the time of oppression in Egypt. Israel will have to experience a 'second exodus' to find her God again. Hosea understands the period of the Israelites' life in the wilderness as the time when they were closest to their God, being in. a new covenant relationship with him, before their capacity to rebel began to destroy this relationship. Chapter 2 : 14-23 looks forward to a renewed and pure covenant relationship of the future, when the people of God will enjoy great blessing in a restored land.