Talmud for Hosea 2:12

⁶⁴Lev. rabba 36(5). How far did the merit of the forefathers extend? Rebbi Tanḥuma said in the name of the Elder Rebbi Ḥiyya, (Bar) [Rebbi]^G Naḥman said it in the name of Rebbi Berekhiah, Rebbi Ḥelbo in the name of Rebbi Abba bar Zavda, up to Joaḥaz. The Eternal was compassionate about them and had mercy for them etc., up to now⁶⁵2K. 13:23.. Up to that moment, the merit of the forefathers existed. Samuel said, up to Hosea’s [time]. But now, I shall uncover her scandalous behavior before the eyes of her lovers, and no man may save her from My hand⁶⁶Hos. 2:12.. Man can only mean Abraham, as you say, but now return theman’s wife, for he is a prophet⁶⁷Gen. 20:7.. Man can only mean Isaac, as you say, who is this man coming in the field towards us⁶⁸Gen. 24:65.? Man can only mean Jacob, as you say, but Jacob was a simple man⁶⁹Gen. 25:27.. Rebbi Joshua ben Levi said, up to Elijah: It was when the time of the afternoon service came that Elijah the prophet approached and said, O Eternal, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, today it shall be proclaimed that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant⁷⁰1K. 18:36. Since Elijah’s prayer was granted, this gives a terminus post quem. etc. Rebbi Yudan said, up to Hezekias, to increase dominion and peace without end⁷¹Is. 9:6.. ⁷²Sifra Behuqqotai Pereq 7(11), Ex. rabba 44(3). The argument really is not about the patriarchs’ merits but about the validity of the Covenant. Rebbi Aḥa said, the merit of the forefathers extends forever: For the Eternal is a Merciful Power, etc., up to and He shall not forget your forefather’s covenant⁷³Deut. 4:31.. This teaches that the covenant was sealed with the tribes. Rebbi Yudan bar Ḥanan in the name of Rebbi Berekhiah: The Holy One, praise to Him, said to Israel: If you see that the merit of the fathers reels, and the merit of the mothers trembles, go and cling to grace.⁷⁴Is. 54:10.For mountains may reel, and hills tremble; for mountains may reel, this is the fathers’ merit, and hills tremble, this is the mothers’ merit. After that, but My Grace will not leave you and My Covenant of Peace will not reel, says the One Who has mercy on you, the Eternal.