The Pulpit Commentary — Hosea — Section 452

Ver. 3.-" 'l'he fatherless findeth mercy." The sorrows of human life are many-, and some of them are, by us, largely inexplicable. The relation of father and son is a.n olJ\ ions provision of Divine wisdom and goodness, and beautifully symbolizes the relation betv.een God and his dependent children. Yettherearethe fatherless,deprived of the care and protection so urgently needed. Why should it be permitted that' any should be placed in a position so painful and pitiable? We cannot tell. Still the case of such furnishes an opportunity for the intervention of him who is the Father of the fatherless. I. WHAT THE FATHERLESS XEED. To un.derstand this we must consider: 1. Of whae they are deprived. They are without a father's kindne/ls, wisdom, and boun~y. 2. To what they are exposed. How many are the ills which befall the orphan! He is exposed to neglect; poverty may prevent his enjoyment of a suitable nurture and education. He is exposed to injustice and wrong. If he has property, he is liable to the cupidity of a selfish guardian. He is exposed to actual ill treatment. The cruel may take advantage of his defenceless position to treat him with violence for which there is little ur no redres~. .. II. WH1.T THE FATHERLESS FIND. They may look for help to man, and look in vain. But in God the fatherless findeth mercy. That which is denied by earth is accorded by Heaven. 1. God rail!es up friends who, to some extent, take the father's place. Pity leads Christians to adopt orphans into their own families, or to found a~ylums where they can eDjoy the blei;sings uf killd supervision and liberal education. 2. God1in ~s providence. ope118 up before the fatherles11 careers of usefulness and honour 1n hfe. l:fow many orpbs.nij have occupied distinguished and serviceable positions in society I lt is by the mercy of God that what, frow. a human _Point of view, seemed so unlikely, Las corue tu pass. 3. God, by his Word and his Spirit, often reveals to the fatherless tile ricL~s uf his owu fatherly love. In him are compassion and affection deeper and rnslcr than a human heart can know. He dries the orphan's tears, supplies the orphan's \\"ants, and enricht~ the orphan's nature wiLh the treasures of his grace and love,-'!'. Ver. 4.-CiracioUB assurnncea. As tlie father was forward to meet and to welcornu Oil, XIV. 1-9.] 'rHE BOOK OF HOSEA. 455