Matthew Poole and continuators on Hosea 14:3

3 Ashur 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 .

It had been one great sin of Israel that they did trust to an arm of flesh, Ashur is particularly named for that he was the last with whom they made a Covenant fairly, or above-board, but any other Forreign aids and friendships may be here understood. God promis'd his peculiar protection, and would have continued it if they had not cast him off, and trusted to man.

Another fault of theirs was, they multiplyed horses, and trusted to their strength which God forbad, this includes their home, strength, and provision of all sorts.

They had most brutishly thought their Idols would be Gods to help them; this the particular confession of their great comprehensive sins which brought on many others with them; Now they renounce as well as confess them, and such renouncing is necessary, and grounded on hope of finding mercy; as appears by

The reason they give of their renouncing these sins, and vain confidencies in God, to whom they return, in him onely there is help to be had.

All that are destitute of strength in themselves, and destitute of help from others; all that being sensible of their own helpless condition, look for it from God who hath Power, Mercy, and Wisdom to help and relieve.

Obtaineth as often as he doe's rightly sue for.

Both Fountain and streams of goodness too, Free Grace, and rich bounty.

Marginal references: Ps. 33.17. Isa. 31.1.