CHAP. I.
The subject of the prophecy, and the writer of it, 1 The majesty and terrible God's indignation, 2-6. love to his people and severity to his enemies, 7, 8. The prophet foretels the ruin of the Assyrian king and his army, and the rejoicing of the Jews, 9-15.
the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it Bashan
THE burden of Nineveh. The book dry, and drieth up all the rivers:
shite.
of the vision of Nahum the Elko
2* God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the LORD drevengeth, and tis furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
3 The LORD is
slow to anger, and & great in power, hand will not at all acquit
a Is. 13:1. 14:28. 15:1. 21:1. 22: 1. 23:1. Jer. 23:33-37. Zech. 9:1.
b Gen. 10:11. Jon. 3:3,4. Zeph. 2:13.
Gr, The LORD is a jealous God, and a revenger.
Ex. 20:5. 34:14. Deut. 4:24. Josh. 24:19. Is. 42:13. Ez. 38: 18,19. 39:25. Joel 2:13. Zech. 1:14. 8:2.
d Deut. 32:35,42. Ps. 94:1. Is. 59:17,18. Rom. 12:19. 13:4. Heb. 10:30.
↑ Heb. that hath fury. Lev.
26:28. Job 20:23. Is. 51:17,20. 59:19.63:3-6.66:15. Jer. 4: 4. 25:15. 36:7. Lam. 4:11. Ez. 5:13. 6:12. 8:18. 36:6. Mic. 5:15. Zech. 8:2.
e Deut. 32:34,35,41-43. Jer. 3:5. Mic. 7:18. Rom. 2:5,6. 2 Pet. 2:9.
f Ex. 34:6,7. Neh. 9:17. Ps. 103:8. 145:8. Joel 2:13. Jon. 4:2. Jam. 1:19.
g Job 9:4. Ps. 62:11. 66:3. 147: 5. Eph. 1:19,20.
h Num. 14:18. Job 10:14,15.
NOTES.
CHAP. I. V. 1. Jonah had long before preached to the Ninevites, and their repentance had for the time averted the threatened vengeance: ( Preface to Jonah.- Notes , Jon. 3:) but they relapsed into idolatry and wickedness, and were become most cruel enemies to the
languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like
i Ex. 19:16-18. Deut. 5:22-24. 1 Kings 19:11-13. Job 38:1. Ps. 18:7-15. 50.3. 97:2-5. 104:3. Is. 19:1. 66:15. Dan. 7:13. Hab. 35-15. Zech. 9: 14. Matt. 26:64. Rev. 1:7.
k Job 38:11. Ps. 104:7. 106:9. 114:3,5. Is. 50:2,3. 51:10. Am. 5:8. Matt. 8:26.
14. Jer. 4:24. Hab. 3:10. Matt. 27:51. 23:2. Rev. 20: 11.
o Judg. 5:5. Ps. 46:6. 97:5. Is. 64:1,2.
p 2 Pet. 3:7-12.
q Ps. 2:12. 76:7. 90:11. Is. 274. Jer. 10:10. Mal. 3:2. Rev 6:17.
1 Josh. 3:13-15. Ps. 74:15. Is. Heb. stand up.
19:5-10. 44:27. Ez. 30:12.
m Is. 33:9. Am. 1:2.
r2. Deut. 32:22,23. Is. 10:16, 17. Lam. 2:4. 4:11. Ez. 30: 16,17. Rev. 16:1,8,9.
people of God. Nahum had therefore a vision of terrible destruction as speedily coming upon them, which he wrote in a book, and as some think sent to them. His name signifies comfort . or a Comforter , and this prediction would conifort the afflicted and alarmed Jews.-He was called "the Elkoshite" from Elkosh in Galilee
fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
7 The LORD is good, ta * Strong-hold " in the day of trouble; * and he knoweth them that trust in him.
8 But with an over-running flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? dhe will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.
10 For while they be folden together
$ 1 Chr. 16:34. Ezra 3:11. Ps. 25:8. 100:5. 130:1,&c. 145:610. Jer. 33:11. Lam. 3:25. Rom. 11:22. 1 John 4:8-10. t Ps. 18:1,2. 27:5. 62:6-8.71: 3. 84:11. 91:1,2. 144:1,2. Prov. 18:10. Is. 25:4. 26:1-4. 32:2. * Or, Strength.
27:43.
z Is. 8:7,8. 28:17. Ez. 13:13. Dan. 9:26. 11:10,22,40. Am. 8:8. 9:5,6. Matt. 7:27. 2 Pet. 3 : 6,7.
a 1. 2:8. Zeph. 2:13-15. b Job 30:15. Prov. 4:19. Is. 8: 22. Jer. 13:16. Matt. 8:12.
u Ps. 20:1. 50:15. 59:16. 77:2. c 11. Ps. 2:1-4. 21:11. 33:10. 86:7. 91:15. Is. 37:3,4.
Ps. 1:6. Matt. 7:23. John 10: 27. Gal. 4:9. 2 Tim. 2:19.
Prov. 21:30. Is. 8:9,10. Ez. 38: 10,11. Acts 4:25-28. 2 Cor. 10:5.
11 There is hone come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the Lord; a wicked counsellor.
12 Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall k pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.
13 For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.
f 3:11. 1 Sam. 25:36-38.2 Sam. 13:28. Jer. 51:39,57.
g Ps. 68:2. Is. 9:18. 10:17-19. 27:4. Mal. 4:1.
h 9. 2 Kings 18:13,14,30. 19:22 -25. 2 Chr. 32:15-19. Is. 10:7-15.
† Heb. counsellor of Belial. 1 Sam. 2:12. 2 Sam. 20:1. 2 Chr. 13:7.
y 1 Chr. 5:20. 2 Chr. 16-8,9. d 1 Sam. 3:12. 26:8. 2 Sam. 20: Or, If they would have been 32:8,11,21. Ps. 84:12. Jer. 17:7,8. Dan. 3:28. 6:23. Matt. e 2 Sam. 23:6,7. Mic. 7:4.
10.
the place of his birth or habitation, as it is sup posed . Burden .] Notes , Is . 13:1. Jer. 23:33-40. V. 2-6. The Assyrians had desolated the kingdom of Israel; they often harassed that of Judah, and perhaps at this time menaced its ruin; and they triumphed as if their idols had overcome the God of Israel. (Notes, 2 Kings 17:-19:) The prophet therefore began this "burden of Nineveh," by declaring that God was jealous of his own glory, and revenged himself with fury, or great severity, on those
at peace, so should they have been many, and so should they
have been shorn, and he should have passed away.
i Is. 10:32-34. 14:24-27:17: 14.30:28-33. 31:8,9, 37:36. Heb. shorn, Is. 7:20.
k 15. Ex. 12:12. Is. 8:8. Dan. 11:10.
1 Is. 30:19. 51:22. 60:18-20. Joel 2:19. Rev. 7:16.
m Is. 9:4. 10:27. 14:25. Jer. 2:20, 30:8. Mic. 5:5,6. n Ps. 107:14. Jer. 5:5.
on proud Nineveh, and her king and inhabitants. Will not at all acquit, &c. (3) See on Note , Ex . 34:5-7, υ. v . 7.
V. 7, 8. The preceding most sublime display of the power of the Lord's anger, is next beautifully contrasted with a declaration of his exuberant goodness to his people. The Assyrian invasion, and the insulting menaces of Sennacherib and his captains, formed "a day of trouble" to Hezekiah and his subjects: but the Lord was "a Strong-hold" to them; he
who despised or blasphemed him, or injured || knew and approved those who trusted in him,
his worshippers; and that "he reserved for his enemies:" the word wrath , is not in the original; nor could words express the punishment that he "reserved" in due time to inflict upon them. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . b-e.- Notes , Ex . 20:5. 34:11-17, v. 14. Num. 31:2. Deut . 32:21, 22,34,35,40--42. Ps . 94:1--7, v . 1. Is . 42:13-17, υ. 13. 59:16-19. 63:1-6. Jer . 3:4,5. Ez . 38: 19,20. Mic . 7:18-20, v . 18. Zech . 8:2. Rom . 12: 17-21. 13:3-5, v . 4. Heb . 10:28-31, v . 31.
Rev. 6:9-11. 18:20. 19:1-6.) Indeed "the LORD was slow to anger," and not hasty in executing vengeance; because he was "great in power" and always able to execute his purposes: but he would by no means acquit the wicked, or obstinate impenitent offenders. ( Marg . Ref . f-h.- Notes , Ex . 34:5-7. Num . 14:13-19, vv . 17-19. Ps . 103:6-10, υυ . 8,9. Jon. 4:1-4, v . 2. Mic. 7:18-20. Rom . 2:4-6. 2 Pet . 3:9-13.) His dispensations were indeed very mysterious: and when he came to execute vengeance, his | way was through whirlwinds, storms, and black clouds, as if they were the dust of his feet.
He would shew tokens of his power and indignation, similar to what he had done of old, when the sea was divided and Jordan dried up before him; when the mountains trembled, and their productions were withered at his presence: even the earth, yea the whole world, would at last be burned up before him, and all its inhabitants destroyed. What man or kingdom, therefore, could withstand him, when "his fury" should "be poured out like fire, and the rocks thrown down before him." ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . i-r. - Notes , Ex . 19:16 -20. Judg . 5:4,5. 2 Sam . 22:7-16. 1 Kings 19: 11-14.
Ps . 46: 97:3-7.114:3-8. Is . 33:7-13. Am . 1:2. Hab . 3:3–11. 2 Pet . 3:10-13. Rev. 20:11-15, v. 11.)-This was a most suitable introduction to the predictions of vengeance
and would distinguish them from all others. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref. s-y.- Deut . 32:4. 2 Sam . 22:2,3. 2 Kings 18:5,6. 19:3,4,32-37. Ps . 1:4-6, v . 6. 84:11,12. 2 Tim . 2:19.) But he would destroy Nineveh, and desolate the place where it stood, as with an inundation; and pursue his enemies the Assyrians with dark and tremendous calamities. ( Marg . Ref . z -b.Notes, 2:8-10. Is . 8:6-8,21,22. Zeph . 2:1315.)-The place where Nineveh stood is not at present exactly known. 'Nineveh is already perished, and there is no remaining trace of 'her.' Lucian , an ingenious heathen who wrote in the second century. ( Note , 3:19.)
V. 9, 10. Sennacherib (as well as Shalmaneser and his predecessors,) devised to destroy the worshippers of God; which was considered as designing evil against JEHOVAH himself, being the result of proud enmity to him and defiance of him. ( Marg . Ref . c. Notes , 2 Kings 19:4,22,23. 2 Chr . 32:17-22, υ. 19. Is . 10:7-11.) He would therefore utterly destroy Nineveh and the Assyrian empire; and the calamity should be so complete, that it would not be necessary to repeat it. ( Marg .
Ref . d.) While they formed powerful confederacies, and raised numerous armies, to execute their mischievous counsels, "being folden together as thorns;" and while they were perplexed in their counsels, and indecisive in their measures, like a drunken man; or while indulging in excess and intoxication; they would be suddenly and totally consumed, as the dry stubble is by the fire. It is recorded that Nineveh was taken by the Babylonians and Medes, when the city was full of riot and intemperance, by reason of a feast, which the king and his nobles celebrated. ( Marg .
Ref . f, g.- Notes , 3:8-11, v . 11. 2 Sam. 23:6,7. Jer. 25:15-17.) V. 11-13. This wicked counsellor, or
"counsellor of Belial," ( Marg . and Ref . ) who "devised evil against the LORD," seems to mark out Sennacherib, who came from Nineveh to utter blasphemies by the mouth of Rabshakeh, and who devised to destroy Jerusalem: for this completed the provocation, which brought the vengeance of God on Nineveh, and on the Assyrian empire. ( Note , 9,10.) The Lord therefore declared, that though the army of Sennacherib was " was "quiet," fearing nothing from the dismayed Jews; and though it was very numerous; yet the destroying angel, when he passed through them, wo would cut them down, as the
scythe of the mower does the tender grass. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.i -k.- Notes , 2 Kings 19:35. Is . 10:28-34. 14:24-27. 17:12-14.30: 29-33.31:8,9.) And though the Lord had afflicted the Jews by the Assyria Assyrians; yet he would no more distress them by their invasions, but would wholly deliver them from the yoke, which had before been very galling to them. ( Marg . Ref . 1-n.- Notes , Is . 9:4,5. 10:24-27.) V. 14. The Lord had given orders that Sennacherib's army should be cut off: but he himself was reserved for execution by the hands of his own sons. Esarhaddon, his son, indeed succeeded him, and reigned prosperously many years: but the Assyrian empire was subverted soon after, and probably that family was exunct, at least their power was annihilated; and no more of that seed was permitted to be sown or to grow upon the earth. The idols also of Nineveh were about to be extirpated:
formable to them, and thus admire and worship an ideal deity.-But "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies," is also "jealous and revengeth;" and executeth most terrible punishments on those, who rebel against his authority, oppose his truth, or persecute his people.
He is indeed "slow to wrath, and ready to forgive" the penitent and believing: but he will by no means acquit the wicked;" and he reserves "tribulation and anguish for every soul of man that doeth evil," and does not "repent and do works meet for repentance." But "who regardeth the power of his wrath?" ( Note , Ps . 90:11.) When he shall arise to execute vengeance on his enemies, the whole creation will tremble, and melt or be consumed with fervent heat: and all things will concur in augmenting the dismay and destruction of the ungodly.
"Who then will be able to stand before his indignation, or to abide the fierceness of his anger, when his fury shall be poured out like fire, and the rocks and mountains shall be thrown down by him?" What will it then avail the condemned criminal to reflect, that he has amused himself, and others, by specious reasonings against the awful justice, holiness, and vengeance of his offended Sovereign; and soothed conscience into a delusive peace by vain speculations?
But a believing apprehension of the goodness and mercy of God, as consisting with his perfect justice through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; and a reli
the graves of the city, the empire, and the roy-ance on him for pardon and peace, induce a
al family were preparing: and because they were vile in their conduct, they would be debased, and neglected as those who are buried in disgrace and forgotten. ( Marg . Ref .-- Notes , 3:4-6. 2 Kings 19:36,37. Ps . 109:6-20, υυ . 13, 14. Is . 14:16--23. 19:1. 46:1,2.) - 'The house of 'thy idol shall become thy grave, when thou 'shalt be dishonorably slain by thine own sons; '... as a just punishment of thy blasphemy 'against the God of Israel.' Lowth.
V. 15. Messengers would be sent from Jerusalem into the most distant parts of the land, to carry the welcome tidings of the destruction of Sennacherib's army, and of the peace of Jerusalem and Judah; and to invite the Jews to come and celebrate their solemn feasts, and to pay their vows at the temple for their deliverance. They might then do it safely; for the Assyrian tyrant would no more pass through to ravage the land, his power being utterly cut off. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Ps 26:11-14. 116:17—19. Is . 30:29-32.40:9 -11. 52:7,8. Rom . 10:12-17.)-This may be considered as typical of the future destruction of the enemies of the church, which will make way for the universal preaching of the gospel, and for the peace and felicity of believers.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The scriptural character and perfections of
well-grounded confidence and assurance. Those who come in this way to "trust in the LORD," will find him their "Strong-hold" and impregnable Fortress, in every time of trouble and danger; and he will make it appear, that he approved and favored them; while his enemies shall be carried away as with a flood, into the blackness of darkness and despair.
For all who imagine evil against God, and his truth and cause, will be utterly destroyed; and their mischievous combinations, and intoxicating revels, will prepare them as thorns folded together, or as dry stubble, for the fire of his wrath: nor will their multitudes, their confidence, their sagacity, or abilities, in the least secure them. For a time indeed the Lord employs such men to scourge his offending children, and to winnow the corn of his floor: but he will soon break off their yoke, terminate their power, and forbid them any more to afflict his church.
All idols and idolaters, and all the vile and abominable of the earth, will soon be buried in the grave which the Lord is preparing for them: and then Zion shall rejoice and celebrate her solemn feasts, and pay her vows, and never more be troubled with the wicked passing through her. Let us then rejoice in the glad tidings and peace of the gospel; let us with grateful joy attend on sacred ordinances, as the sacred feasts of our
our glorious God, do not accord to the imagi-souls; let us remember to "pay the vows,
nations and sentiments of proud reasoners on that subject: for, admiring their own supposed excellencies, they form notions of God con
which we made in the day of our distress and trouble;" and so look forward with cheerful hope to our admission into that world, whith
E that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily.
2 For the LORD hath turned away the texcellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine-branches.
3 The shield of his mighty men is dmade red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and e the fir-trees shall be terribly shaken.
4 The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways; they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.
shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the ** defence shall be prepared.
6 The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be tt dissolved.
7 And # Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her , as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.
8 But Nineveh is || of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. m Stand, stand, shall they cry ; but none shall look
back.
9 Taken ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: *** for there is none end of the store, and glory out of all the ttt pleasant furniture.
10 She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all
** Heb. covering, or, coverer. i Is. 45:1,2.
5 He shall recount his worthies: they ft Or, molten. 2 Pet. 3:10,11,
Or, The disperser, or, ham- | d Is. 63:1,2. Zech. 1:8. 6:2.
mer.
20-23.
Is. 14:6. Jer. 25:9. 51:
a 3:14,15. 2 Chr. 25.8. Jer. 46:3-10. 51:11,12. Joel 3:9 -11.
b Is. 10:5-12. Jer. 25:29.
Or, the pride of Jacob as the pride of Israel. Zeph. 3:11. c Gen. 49:22,23. Ps. 80:12,13. Jer. 49:9. Hos. 10:1.
Rev. 6:4. 12:3.
Or, dyed scarlet.
Or, fiery.
e Is. 14:8. Zech. 11:2.
f 3:2,3. Is. 37:24. 66:15. Jer. 4:13. Ez. 26:10. Dan. 11:40. !! Heb. their shero.
g Is. 21.5. Jer. 50:29. 51:27,28. Or, gallants.
h 3:3. Is. 5:27. Jer. 46:12.
Or, that which was establish ed; or, there was a stand made.
Or, discovered.
k Is. 38:14. 59:11. Luke 23:27,48. || Or, from the days, that she hath been. Gen. 10:11.
1 Jer. 51:13. Rev. 17:1,15.
m 3:17. Is. 13:14. 47:13. 48:20. Jer. 50:16. 51:30.
Or, cause them to turn.
n Is. 33:1,4. Jer. 51:56. *** Or, and their infinite store, &c. 12,13.
ft Heb.vessels of desire. 2 Chr. 36:10. Jer. 25-34. Ez. 26:12. Dan. 11:8. margins.
o 3:7. Gen. 1:2. Is. 13:19-22. 14:23. 24:1. 34:10-15. Jer. 4: 23-26. 51:62. Zeph. 2:1315. 3:6. Rev. 18:21-23.
p Josh. 2:11. Ps. 22:14. Is. 13 7,8.
q Dan. 5:6.
r Is. 21:3. Jer. 30:6.
er the wicked never can enter, and where sin ble, and to denote their purpose of shedding and temptation will no more be known.
NOTES.