Asshur, &c. See Hosea 5:13; Hosea 12:1. and compare Jeremiah 31:18.
we will not ride. Some codices, with four early printed editions and Syriac, read "nor upon horses will we ride". Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16). Compare Psalms 33:17; Isaiah 30:2; Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 31:1.
the work of our hands. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for idols of all kinds.
for in Thee. O Thou in Whom.
the fatherless: i.e. Israel's orphaned folk. Here we have the key to the symbolic names of Hosea 1: Gomer shows that the measure of iniquity was full. Jezreel denotes the consequent scattering. Lo-Ruhamah (the second child, the girl) foreshadows Israel as the unpitied one. Lo-Ammi (the last child) denotes Israel's present condition. Ammi represents Israel's yet future position (Hosea 2:1). Ruhamah = pitied, Lo-Ruharnah's new name (Hosea 2:23).
findeth mercy. Ruhamah. pitied. Referring to Israel's final restoration. See note on Hosea 2:23.