Hosea 14:3

KJV

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Asshur {H804} shall not save {H3467} us; we will not ride {H7392} upon horses {H5483}: neither will we say {H559} any more to the work {H4639} of our hands {H3027}, Ye are our gods {H430}: for in thee the fatherless {H3490} findeth mercy {H7355}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ashur will not save us, we will not ride on horses, and we will no longer call what we made with our hands our gods. For it is only in you that the fatherless can find mercy."

Berean Standard Bible

Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”

American Standard Version

Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods; for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hosea 14:3 encapsulates Israel's heartfelt repentance and renewed commitment to the Lord, marking a pivotal turning point in the book of Hosea. It articulates a profound renunciation of their past reliance on foreign political and military alliances, a decisive rejection of idolatry fashioned by human hands, and a humble declaration of sole dependence on God's compassionate mercy, particularly for the vulnerable. This verse serves as a powerful confession of national sin and a turning toward divine grace as the only true source of salvation and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hosea 14 stands as the climactic conclusion to the book of Hosea, transitioning dramatically from chapters filled with pronouncements of judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry to a fervent call for repentance and a glorious promise of divine restoration. Following extensive prophecies detailing Israel's spiritual adultery, political apostasy, and reliance on foreign powers rather than on Yahweh, this chapter, and specifically this verse, represents Israel's ideal response to God's persistent invitation to return. It follows a direct exhortation to "return to the LORD your God" in [Hosea 14:1](/hosea/14-1 "Hosea 14:1 - A Call to Return"), offering words of repentance and a plea for forgiveness. This verse, therefore, is not merely a statement but a model of the contrite heart God desires, demonstrating a decisive break from past sins and a re-orientation towards God's exclusive sovereignty and mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Hosea's prophetic ministry (8th century BCE), the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) faced immense political instability and external threats, primarily from the rising Assyrian Empire. In an attempt to secure their nation, Israel frequently vacillated between seeking alliances with powerful empires like [Assyria](/2_kings/17-3-6 "2 Kings 17:3-6 - Assyrian Conquest of Israel") and [Egypt](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Reliance on Egypt"), rather than trusting in the Lord's protection. These alliances often came with political subjugation and, more critically, the adoption of foreign religious practices and idolatry. Simultaneously, the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, often involving cultic prostitution and child sacrifice, was rampant, directly violating the covenant with Yahweh. The mention of "horses" specifically symbolizes military might and human strength, often acquired through alliances with Egypt, a renowned source of chariots and horses. Hosea 14:3 encapsulates Israel's profound renunciation of these spiritual and political errors, acknowledging the futility of human-derived security and false gods.
* **Key Themes:** Hosea 14:3 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Hosea and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Rejection of False Security**, highlighting Israel's turning away from reliance on human strength, political alliances, and military might. This declaration signifies a decisive break from seeking salvation or security from foreign nations (like the powerful Assyrian Empire) or from their own military prowess (symbolized by horses), echoing the timeless biblical principle that true trust belongs to God alone, as seen in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse powerfully articulates the **Renunciation of Idolatry**, a central theme in Hosea. By declaring "neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods," Israel commits to abandoning the worship of idols fashioned by human hands, recognizing their powerlessness and the folly of attributing divine power to them. This rejection of false gods was central to Israel's covenant with God and is a recurring theme in prophetic warnings against idolatry, as powerfully depicted in [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"). Finally, the concluding clause, "for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy," introduces the profound theme of **Sole Reliance on God's Mercy and Compassion**. It shifts the focus entirely from human efforts and false deities to the compassionate and faithful character of God Himself. The mention of the "fatherless" highlights God's special care for the most vulnerable and defenseless, emphasizing His unique attribute of mercy and justice, a truth beautifully captured in [Psalm 68:5](/psalm/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." In the context of Hosea 14:3, it denotes deliverance, salvation, or providing help. When Israel declares "Asshur shall not save us," they are renouncing the belief that a foreign power can provide true security or rescue them from their troubles, acknowledging that only God possesses the power to truly deliver.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word refers to the "hand," particularly the open one, and is used with great latitude to signify power, means, direction, possession, or labor. In the phrase "the work of our hands," it directly refers to human craftsmanship and effort, specifically in the creation of idols. It emphasizes that these objects are products of human making, inherently lacking divine power or authority, and therefore incapable of providing salvation or guidance.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form, while often referring to the singular supreme God when used with the article (e.g., "the God"), here refers to "gods in the ordinary sense," i.e., pagan deities or idols. When Israel says, "Ye are our gods," they are confessing their past idolatry, where they attributed divine power and worship to inanimate objects or false deities, thereby violating their covenant with the one true God. Their renunciation marks a return to monotheistic worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Asshur shall not save us":** This clause represents a decisive break from political apostasy and reliance on human alliances. Assyria, a dominant and often oppressive empire, was a frequent object of Israel's trust for military and political security. This declaration is a confession that such worldly powers are ultimately incapable of providing true, lasting salvation or protection. It signifies a turning away from external, human-contrived solutions to national crises.
* **"we will not ride upon horses":** This phrase further emphasizes the renunciation of human military might and self-reliance. Horses, particularly chariots, were symbols of national strength and military prowess in the ancient Near East, often acquired through alliances with Egypt. To reject riding upon horses is to abandon confidence in conventional military power and human strategic advantage, acknowledging their inadequacy in the face of divine judgment or for securing true peace.
* **"neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods":** This is a powerful and direct commitment to abandon idolatry. "The work of our hands" refers explicitly to idols or graven images, emphasizing their man-made, and therefore powerless, nature. This statement represents a profound spiritual awakening, a promise to cease attributing divine power, authority, or ultimate provision to anything other than the one true God. It is a full renunciation of false worship and a return to exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
* **"for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy":** This crucial final clause reveals the foundation of Israel's renewed hope, trust, and repentance. It shifts the focus entirely from human efforts and false deities to the compassionate and faithful character of God Himself. The mention of the "fatherless" (Hebrew: _yâthôwm_), symbolizing utter helplessness and vulnerability, highlights God's special care for the most defenseless in society. This emphasizes His unique attribute of _râcham_ (mercy/compassion), demonstrating God's profound compassion and unwavering support for those who are without help and turn to Him. It is a statement of humble dependence on God's unfailing grace.

#### Literary Devices
Hosea 14:3 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of repentance and restoration. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "Asshur" representing reliance on foreign political and military alliances, and "horses" symbolizing military might and human strength. These are not merely literal entities but stand for the broader concept of human self-sufficiency and worldly solutions. The phrase "the work of our hands" is a powerful **metonymy** for idols, emphasizing their human origin and thus their inherent powerlessness. The verse employs a stark **contrast** between Israel's former misguided trusts (Assyria, horses, idols) and their newfound, exclusive reliance on God's mercy. This structural opposition highlights the futility of the former and the sufficiency of the latter. The entire verse functions as a national **confession** and **renunciation**, articulating a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. The use of direct address ("Ye are our gods") and the concluding declaration of trust ("for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy") imbue the verse with a deeply personal and heartfelt tone, making it a model of genuine repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hosea 14:3 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of true repentance and the exclusive sovereignty of God. It underscores the biblical truth that genuine turning to God involves a complete renunciation of all rival allegiances—whether political, military, or spiritual. Israel's confession acknowledges that human strength, worldly alliances, and man-made deities are utterly incapable of providing salvation or security. Instead, true deliverance and lasting hope are found solely in the compassionate character of Yahweh, who extends mercy even to the most vulnerable and undeserving. This verse beautifully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people have been unfaithful, inviting them back into a relationship founded on His steadfast love and grace. It is a powerful affirmation that God's mercy is the ultimate refuge for those who recognize their helplessness and turn to Him in humility.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"): "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." This verse directly parallels Hosea 14:3's rejection of reliance on military might, emphasizing that true security is found in God alone.
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry"): This passage vividly describes the foolishness and futility of idol worship, echoing Hosea 14:3's renunciation of "the work of our hands" as gods.
* [Psalm 68:5](/psalm/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless"): "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation." This verse beautifully affirms God's special care and mercy for the vulnerable, resonating with Hosea 14:3's declaration that "in thee the fatherless findeth mercy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hosea 14:3 offers timeless and profoundly relevant lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to deeply examine the objects of our ultimate trust and devotion. In a world that constantly beckons us to place our security in financial stability, career success, political ideologies, technological advancements, or personal achievements, this verse calls for a radical re-evaluation. Do we, like ancient Israel, subtly or overtly rely on these "Asshurs" and "horses" of our modern age, expecting them to deliver the peace, provision, or protection that only God can truly offer? Are there "works of our hands"—anything we create, control, or possess—that we might be elevating to a god-like status, expecting them to satisfy our deepest longings or deliver us from our fears? This verse is a powerful invitation to abandon all forms of modern idolatry and self-reliance, urging us to confess our dependence on anything other than the Almighty. Ultimately, it points us to the liberating truth that true security, lasting peace, and unfailing mercy are found only in God, who cares for the most helpless and offers unconditional grace to all who turn to Him in genuine repentance, demonstrating the transformative power of His unfailing mercy, as highlighted in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never End").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Asshurs" or "horses" do I tend to rely on for security, status, or salvation in my own life, instead of fully trusting God?**
* **What "works of my hands"—my achievements, possessions, or self-made identities—do I sometimes elevate to a god-like status, expecting them to fulfill needs only God can meet?**
* **How does recognizing God as the one in whom "the fatherless findeth mercy" deepen my understanding of His character and my trust in His provision for my own vulnerabilities?**
* **What specific steps can I take to renounce these false securities and deepen my exclusive reliance on God's mercy and grace?**

### FAQ
**Why is Assyria mentioned specifically, and what does it symbolize in this context?**

Answer: Assyria (Asshur) was the dominant geopolitical power in the ancient Near East during Hosea's time, known for its military might and aggressive expansion. For the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Assyria represented a constant threat, but also a tempting source of political alliance and military aid. By mentioning Assyria, Hosea 14:3 highlights Israel's past tendency to seek security from formidable human empires rather than from God. It symbolizes reliance on worldly power, political maneuvering, and human strength as opposed to divine providence. The declaration "Asshur shall not save us" is a profound renunciation of this misplaced trust, signifying Israel's turning away from external, human-contrived solutions and back to God as their sole deliverer, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Is Saved by the Size of His Army").

**What is the significance of "the fatherless" in this verse, and how does it relate to God's mercy?**

Answer: The term "fatherless" (Hebrew: _yâthôwm_) refers to orphans or those without a protector or provider. In ancient society, the fatherless, along with widows and sojourners, represented the most vulnerable and defenseless members of society. Their welfare was a key indicator of a society's justice and compassion, and God's law repeatedly commanded their protection (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God Loves the Sojourner, Fatherless, and Widow")). In Hosea 14:3, the mention of the fatherless is profoundly significant because it underscores the nature of God's mercy (_râcham_). It highlights that God extends His compassion and care to those who are utterly helpless, without any human means of support or defense. By declaring "in thee the fatherless findeth mercy," Israel acknowledges that their own spiritual state is akin to that of the fatherless—helpless and dependent—and that God's mercy is their only hope, precisely because He is the one who cares for the most vulnerable, as also seen in [Psalm 146:9](/psalm/146-9 "Psalm 146:9 - The LORD Preserves the Sojourners").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hosea 14:3, with its profound call for repentance and turning from false securities to God's mercy, finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel's renunciation of Assyria, horses, and idols foreshadows the Christian's call to forsake all worldly dependencies and self-made gods, recognizing that true salvation comes only through the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as Israel confessed that "Asshur shall not save us," believers now understand that no human power, political system, or personal achievement can deliver us from sin or grant eternal life; only Christ can. Our former "works of our hands," whether literal idols or the idols of self-reliance and worldly success, are utterly powerless before the saving work of Christ, who calls us to lay down our burdens and find rest in Him (as in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, the declaration that "in thee the fatherless findeth mercy" points directly to Christ's unparalleled compassion for the vulnerable and lost. He is the divine Son who came to seek and save the lost, to be a Father to the spiritually fatherless, and to offer boundless mercy to all who confess their helplessness and turn to Him. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate expression of God's mercy, providing a new covenant where all who believe are adopted into God's family, no longer orphans but children of God, finding grace and help in their time of need by drawing near to the [throne of grace with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 68:5

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.

Psalms 10:14

Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite [it] with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Hosea 14:8

¶ Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Hosea 5:13

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah [saw] his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.

Hosea 2:17

For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.