this is what the LORD says: Such statements were like an official seal or stamp of authority on a document. In many ancient Near Eastern royal messages, the ruler declared that the message was from him and had his authority.
The image of Israel as a bride has been used since Hosea's time, about 760 to 722 BC (Hosea 2:2–19; see also Isaiah 54:6–8; 62:5). This idea is later applied to those living in heaven (Revelation 19:7; 21:2, 9).
youth: after the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites symbolically married God when they agreed to a covenant relationship (Exodus 19:8; 24:7, 8; Deuteronomy 5:27; Ezekiel 16:8).
devotion (Hebrew khesed): The Israelites pledged loyalty to the covenant Lord (see Deuteronomy 5:29).