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.

HOSEA 14:3KJV
Know the Bible

Hosea 14:3 (KJV)

What does Hosea 14:3 mean?

Hosea 14:3 describes the people of Israel declaring that they will no longer rely on Assyria for rescue, trust in military power (symbolized by horses), or worship idols they made themselves, because they recognize that only God shows mercy to those who are vulnerable and alone. This verse is a confession of turning away from false sources of security and returning to God for compassion.

The prophet Hosea is speaking to the people of Israel on God's behalf, urging them to repent after a long period of unfaithfulness. The verse shows Israel admitting that their past trust in foreign nations like Assyria (Asshur), military strength, and idols was misplaced. The final line highlights that God is especially merciful to the "fatherless," meaning those who have no one else to protect or care for them.

The Hebrew behind Hosea 14:3

  • אַשּׁוּר (Asshur): This is the Hebrew name for Assyria, a powerful empire at the time. Mentioning Asshur shows that Israel had been looking to foreign powers for help instead of trusting God.
  • יָשַׁע (yashaʿ, "save"): This word means to deliver or rescue. The verse makes clear that true deliverance does not come from Assyria or human means.
  • יֶתֹם (yathom, "fatherless"): This word refers to someone without parents or protectors. Its use here emphasizes God's special care for those who are most vulnerable and without support.
  • רָחַם (racham, "mercy"): This word means to show compassion or tender care. The verse highlights that God’s character is to show mercy, especially to those who cannot help themselves.

Why Hosea 14:3 matters

  • Hosea 14:3 clears up the misunderstanding that political alliances or military strength could guarantee Israel’s safety; it points instead to God as the true source of help.
  • The verse emphasizes a heartfelt confession and a turning away from idolatry, showing what genuine repentance looks like in practical terms.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Hosea, which is about God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who return to Him, especially those who are most in need of mercy.

Where else these words appear

“fatherless” Hebrew H3490 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 22:22 Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
  • Job 6:27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
  • Psalms 146:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

“mercy” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
  • Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
  • Jeremiah 33:26 Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, so that I will not take any of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.

“ride” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Jeremiah 8:16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.