Nahum 2

Nahum 2:2

For the LORD] Isaiah 10:12.

hath turned away] Seeing God hath punished his own people Judah and Israel, he will now punish the enemies by whom he scourged them; read Isaiah 10:12.

the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel] Or, the pride of Jacob as the pride of Israel.

the emptiers] Psalms 80:13.

marred their vine-branches] Signifying, that the Israelites were utterly destroyed.

Nahum 2:3

The shield] A description of the Chaldeans preparation to assault Nineveh.

of his mighty men] Of that dasher in pieces spoken of vers. 1.

red] A colour which was much used by the Babylonians, especially in warres. See Ezekiel 23:14.

in scarlet] Or, died scarlet.

flaming torches] Or, fiery torches. By reason of the glittering of the armour: some take this in it proper meaning for wilde fires which should be thrown.

in the day of his preparation] To give the onset.

the firre-trees shall be terribly shaken] He doth by Hyperbole call the great Launces, Spears, and other piked Arms, so.

Nahum 2:4

they shall seem] Heb. their show.

Nahum 2:5

He shall recount his worthies] The King of Babylon shall encourage his captains to the battell, calling them every one by his owne proper name, according to the custome of Generals.

worthies] Or, gallants.

they shall stumble in their walk] There shall be such a throng, and they shall go on so fiercely, that they shall hardly be able to keep their ranks.

defence] Heb. covering, or, coverer. It was some engine or moveable defence, made after the ancient fashion, under which the assailants drew near to the wall, either to digge through it with mattocks and pick-axes; or for to fight with them that stood in defence above upon certain wooden towers.

Nahum 2:6

The gates of the rivers] He seemeth to mean some violent meanes used by the Chaldeans, to turn the river Tigris into the besieged Citie, whereby many great buildings were overthrown

dissolved] Or, molten.

Nahum 2:7

Huzzab] Or, that which was established; or, there was a stand made. That is, the Kings Wife and Concubines, which shall be shut up in the Palace. Some have taken the Hebrew word for the Queen of Ninevehs proper name.

led away captive] Or, discovered.

the voice of doves] Namely, weeping and lamentation.

Nahum 2:8

of old] Or, from the dayes that she hath been.

a pool of water] It hath alwayes been a place of ease and rest for her inhabitants; who after the taking of it, shall runne away, some here, some there, and shall no more come, nor be gathered together: like fish taken out of the Pond which is emptied and drawn out.

look back] Or, cause them to turn.

Nahum 2:9

Take ye the spoil] God commandeth the enemies to spoil Nineveh, and promiseth them infinite riches and treasures.

for there is none end of the store] Or, and their infinite store, &c.

pleasant furniture] Heb. vessels of desire.

Nahum 2:10

She is empty] That is, Nineveh.

the heart melteth] Isaiah 13:7-8.

the knees smite together] With terrour; as Isaiah 13:7-8.

the faces of them] See Joe 2:6.

Nahum 2:11

Where is the dwelling of the lions] What is become of Nineveh, the seat of such a powerfull, terrible, and violent Empire?

Nahum 2:13

I will burn her chariots] That is, her forces and warlike power, so soon as my wrath beginneth to kindle.

thy prey] The treasures and wealth that thou hast gathered up together by thy oppressions and violence.

the voice of thy messengers] Signifying the Heralds, which were accustomed to proclaim warre. Some read, of thy check teeth, wherewith Nineveh was wont to bruise the bones of the poor, Others say, he seemeth to have an especiall relation to Rabshakeh his blaspheming ambassage, 2 Kings 18:17; 2 Kings 18:19.