Repentance is a recurring theme in the Book of Hosea. Yet, many commentators regard the penitential song in Hos. 6:1–3 as an expression of a “Baalized” form of Israelite religion, sung by people who are insincere and whose loyalty to God is shallow. F. Ramirez takes the positive view: a) The song in 6:1–3 is an idealized portrayal of a future penitential liturgy in which a contrite and expiated people seek reconciliation with God. The song is a panegyric to Yhwh’s constant love for his people. It does not reflect a “Baalized” view of Yhwh, nor does it express a belief in a magical efficacy of the cult. b) Although the theme of the song is typically Hosean, it is possible that some of the motifs may have come from existing materials. c) 6:4–6 is not a rejoinder to the idealized penitential liturgy, but a sad remark on the attitude of the two warring nations Ephraim and Judah whose superficial and ephemeral ḥeseḏ makes a stark contrast with God’s faithfulness eulogized in the song. d) 6:6 expresses what God wants from his people: not their sacrificial practices (5:6; 8:13), but ḥeseḏ and da‘aṯ ’ĕlohîm—values that are sorely missing in the attitude and behavior of Ephraim and Judah (5:8–14). – from the Editor’s Preface