14:3 Assyria . . . horses. Israel was to give up trusting in foreign political powers (5:13; 7:11; 12:1), in her own military strength (10:13; cf. Ps. 33:16, 17), and in idolatrous and syncretistic religion (2:8, 13; 3:1; 4:12; 8:5, 6; 10:5, 6; 13:2).

orphan finds mercy. This alludes to the earlier theme of loss and restoration of love illustrated by Hosea’s marriage and his daughter, Lo-ruhama (1:6; 2:2–4, 14–23). See Introduction: Characteristics and Themes.