(Isa. 54:4–6; refer in this text to 2 Ne. 7:1–2)
The word “adultery” and the word “idolatry” were originally one, that is, they sprang from the same root, and mean essentially the condition of being false to a solemn covenant.
The Lord compared himself—though in terms of rebuke—to the Israelites of old, as their husband.
(James E. Talmage, Conference Report, Oct. 1930, 71.)
Even though there has been barrenness and sometimes unfaithfulness, yet will the husband (Christ) reclaim and redeem his bride (Israel). The imagery of Jehovah as bridegroom and Israel as bride is among the most commonly used metaphors in scripture, being used by the Lord and his prophets to describe the relationship between Deity and the children of the covenant.
(Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 290.)
Like people who are widowed, divorced, or never married, Zion is alone for a season, but not forever. The Savior of the whole earth is her husband. The etymology of the English word husband is a compound of house and prepare; thus, a husband is “one who prepares or builds a house.” The Lord is Zion’s husband or “house builder” because he makes the earth as a home for all creatures, he creates bodies as temples for spirit children, he builds temples as places of worship, and he prepares heavenly mansions for his children.
(Cynthia L. Hallen, “Redeeming the Desolate Woman,” Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, vol. 7, no. 1: 44.)