Hosea 14:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
אַשּׁ֣וּר׀
Asshur
H804
אַשּׁ֣וּר׀
Asshur
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
1 of 17
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נוּ
shall not save
H3467
יוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נוּ
shall not save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִרְכָּ֔ב
us we will not ride
H7392
נִרְכָּ֔ב
us we will not ride
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
7 of 17
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ע֛וֹד
H5750
ע֛וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
Ye are our gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
Ye are our gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
any more to the work
H4639
לְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
any more to the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
12 of 17
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יָדֵ֑ינוּ
of our hands
H3027
יָדֵ֑ינוּ
of our hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Psalms 10:14Thou 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 68:5A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.Psalms 33:17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.Isaiah 31:1Woe 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!Isaiah 30:16But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.John 14:18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.Hosea 5:13When 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 2:17For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.Hosea 14:8Ephraim 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.
Historical Context
This summarizes Israel's three main sins: political alliances (Assyria), military trust (horses/chariots), and idolatry (work of hands). True repentance renounces all. The fatherless finding mercy shows God's character - He helps helpless. Modern application: genuine conversion requires comprehensive turning - from all false securities to Christ alone. Half measures don't constitute true repentance. Only exclusive trust in God's mercy saves.
Questions for Reflection
- What Assyrias, horses, or handmade gods do I still trust instead of depending solely on God?
- How does recognition that I am spiritually fatherless drive me to God for mercy found only in Him?
Analysis & Commentary
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. Comprehensive renunciation: no trusting Assyria (foreign alliances), no trusting horses (military power), no trusting handmade idols. Positive declaration: in thee fatherless finds mercy. This demonstrates true repentance - turning from false securities to God alone. Orphan metaphor emphasizes total dependence - no other resource. Only God shows mercy to helpless. Christ embodies this: we are adopted as children through Him (Ephesians 1:5).