Verse 3
3. Israel promises also to abstain from the very sins condemned so strongly and persistently by Hosea: (1) Trust in Assyria (Hosea 5:13; Hosea 7:11; Hosea 8:9; Hosea 12:1); (2) reliance upon horses Human defenses (Hosea 1:7; Hosea 10:13). There may be implied a promise to cease trusting in Egypt, since Egypt furnished horses to Israel (1 Kings 10:28; Ezekiel 17:15; compare Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 31:1).
The work of our hands Idols (Hosea 8:4). These they will no longer regard as gods (compare Hosea 13:2). Cheyne sees in the expression “the work of our hands” “an early anticipation of the splendid morsels of irony in which a later prophet lashes idolatry” (Isaiah 42:17; Isaiah 44:9 ff.).
In thee the fatherless findeth mercy Is to be connected with all the clauses, but especially with the last one.
Neither foreign alliances, nor human defenses, nor man-made idols can help. Jehovah alone is always willing and able to show mercy and loving-kindness.
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