The third judgment (see note on Hosea 2:6–7) is a surprise. The Lord, who had innocently suffered from Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, announces he will try to win Israel back. He will lead her into the desert, where he first made a covenant with her, away from the tempting Canaanite religion.
The Valley of Achor was where Israel first disobeyed after entering the promised land (Joshua 7:24–26). The Lord had the will and power to give Israel a new start after their sin and trouble (Joshua 8:1–22), so Israel would again have a gateway of hope.