Hos 14:3 | MHM | STEP | v. 3 : The people are also taught to promise a new way of living. They say they will no longer trust in foreign nations like Assyria to save them, or rely on their own military strength: “Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses” . They will not worship idols or call the works of their hands “gods.” True repentance means turning away from trusting in anyone or anything else, and relying only on God. They promise to stop giving God’s glory to other things, especially those things that have been their greatest weaknesses in the past. Finally, they are encouraged to plead with God by remembering His character: “In you the orphan finds mercy” (Hosea 14:3 ). God is known for helping the helpless, like orphans who have no one else. When we come to God, we should not depend on our own worthiness, but trust in His mercy. God’s special care for the fatherless is shown in the law (Exodus 22:22 ), the Psalms (Psalm 68:5 ), and His promises. This gives us confidence to come to Him, knowing He will show compassion to those who admit their need for Him.

‏ Hosea 14:3

v. 3: The people are also taught to promise a new way of living. They say they will no longer trust in foreign nations like Assyria to save them, or rely on their own military strength: “Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses” . They will not worship idols or call the works of their hands “gods.” True repentance means turning away from trusting in anyone or anything else, and relying only on God. They promise to stop giving God’s glory to other things, especially those things that have been their greatest weaknesses in the past.

Finally, they are encouraged to plead with God by remembering His character: “In you the orphan finds mercy” (Hosea 14:3 ^a). God is known for helping the helpless, like orphans who have no one else. When we come to God, we should not depend on our own worthiness, but trust in His mercy. God’s special care for the fatherless is shown in the law (Exodus 22:22 ^b), the Psalms (Psalm 68:5 ^c), and His promises. This gives us confidence to come to Him, knowing He will show compassion to those who admit their need for Him.