Hosea 14:3

Asshur, &c. See Hosea 5:13 , Hosea 12:1 ; and compare Jeremiah 31:18 .

we will not ride. Some codices, with four early printed editions and Syriac, read "nor upon horses will we ride". Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16 ). Compare Psalms 33:17 . Isaiah 30:2 , Isaiah 30:16 ; Isaiah 31:1 .

the work of our hands. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for idols of all kinds.

for in Thee = O Thou in Whom.

the fatherless: i.e. Israel's orphaned folk. Here we have the key to the symbolic names of Hosea 1:0 : Gomer shows that the measure of iniquity was full. Jezreel denotes the consequent scattering. Lo-Ruhamah (the second child, the girl) foreshadows Israel as the unpitied one. Lo-Ammi (the last child) denotes Israel's present condition. Ammi represents Israel's yet future position (Hosea 2:1 ). Ruhamah = pitied, Lo-Ruharnah's new name (Hosea 2:23 ).

findeth mercy = Ruhamah = pitied. Referring to Israel's final restoration. See note on Hosea 2:23 .