Nahum 3

WO A comprehensive threat of many, and great calamities coming. to the bloody city, Nineveh, the chief City of the Assyrian Kingdom. Vid. chap. 1. ver. 1, let. b. it is all Every part, Officers and Rulers; Traders, both Buyers and Sellers; Shops, Houses, Judicatories, all fill'd with falsehood and lies. full of lies Cheating in their Trades, and false Witnesses before the Judges. and robbery Their gain, though they count honest, is no better in Gods account than robbery or rapine, as is that the Lion taketh, teareth, and devoureth, as the word Heb. implies., the prey Unjust acquists by fraud and force; extortions and violent taking away what was not theirs. departeth not As they did so long since, they continue still so to do, no change from injustice to justice..

The noise of a whip With which the Charioteer roused, and animated the Horses which drew the Warlike Chariots., and the noise of the ratling of the wheels By the swi t motion of the Horses, and of the pransing horses in the Chariots proudly and stately trampling,, and of the jumpings made to jump by the swiftness, and strength of the Horses which drew them. chariots. The French reads this verse with a Negative distributive, and so links this and the next verse with the former negative, ver. 1. thus the prey de arteth not, nor the noise of the whip, nor, &c. intimating the long continuance of the Chaldeans insulting over the N nevites.

The horseman The Chaldean, and Mede, or their Confederates in the War. lifteth up Has his sword not only drawn, but in a posture ever ready to smite, wound, or kill. both the bright sword These Warriours kept their weapons in such manner, that they were fit both to cut and kill and also to dazle the eye, and affright., and the glittering ‖ spear, and there In Nineveh, and the streets of it. is a multitude of slain By the sword of the prevailing besiegers., and a great number of carcasses The slain lay in the streets unburied.; and there is no end of their corpses None knew the numbers of the slain.: they Both Invaders, and invaded, all within the City, stumble are ready to fall at them, not able to avoid them. upon their corpses.

Because God is just, Nineveh has deserved all this. of the multitude of the whoredoms Her crafts and her policies are in which she resembled those lewd Women, as they by their wiles abuse, and deceive men; so did Nineveh or the Assyrian Kingdom deceive, impoverish, and enslave Nations by state policies, so Isa. 23.17. and Revel. 17.2. or else, by Whoredoms here may be meant Idolatries which were multiplyed by the many people that served the Assyrian Idols, or by their multiplying of Idols which probably they did by taking into the Muster-Roll of their Gods those Idols which the conquered Nations worshipt, or Whoredoms literally understood; for this sin undoubtedly did abound where Wealth, Luxury, Ease, and long continuance of these were to be found. of the wellfavoured The Glory of their State and Government, or the splendour of their Idols, Temples, and Sacrifices, or the comeliness and beauty of the lewd, and whorish Women among them. harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts Bewitching Policies, and enchanting Counc ls confederacies, and promised Favours, or it may be literally taken for Witchcrafts or Necromancies, which sin abounded no doubt among the Assyrians, that selleth disposeth of them as imperiously, and absolutely as men do slaves which they buy, or else drawing them into the Wars for pay, exposed them to slaughter by the Enemies sword, as if they had bought their persons to sell their lives, that thereby their own Country m n and Citizens might be spared, and escape. Or selleth, i. e. them to abound in sin, for which God in his just judgment selleth them into the Enemies hand. nations Whole Kingdoms. through her whoredoms See let. y., and families Either 'tis an elegant illustration of the former passage, or perhaps it may intimate the seducing of some particular and eminent Families to ingage themselves in an hereditary and perpetual service to the Assyrian Idols, or to Witchcrafts, in which the Devil imitated God's institution, in taking a Family to his service, so the chief Families had the Authority of Ruling, and the burthen of an Idolatrous Priesthood, Or.. de Rep. lib. 4. Sect. 9. and lib. 8. c. 2. Sect. 6, and 8. through her witchcrafts.

Behold See chap. 2. ver. 13. let. p. q. r. s. I am against these aith the LORD of hosts, and I will discover Nineveh as an Harlot had been proud, and appeared beautiful, and gay in the gifts of her Lovers; but now God will deal with her according to her wayes, (and as men provoked use to do with Harlots) strip her naked, and expose her to greatest infamy, or deal with thee as inhumane Souldiers do deal with Captive Women, Vide Annot. in Ezek. 16.37. thy skirts upon thy face, and I will show the nations Which once did reverence thy greatness, shall now abhor thy nakedness which they behold thy nakedness thy vileness and thy shame as in the next words., and the kingdoms thy shame.

And I will cast By the Chaldean and Medish Army which God will stir up against the Assyrian Monarchy. abominable filth As is done to lewd Women. upon thee, and make thee vile Nineveh had made her self morally evil, and vile by sinning: now she shall be made penally vile., and will set thee O Nineveh. as a gazing-stock At which they shall wonder and be astonished, some shall take warning too; so Zenacherib's Tomb was a standing Monument to put men in mind that God is to be feared, and that men looking on it may reflect on their insolence, and decline it. So Senacherib's Tomb-stone with his Statue: Of which chap. 1. ver. 14..

And it shall come to pass It will most certainly be. that all they that look upon So soon as ever thou art seen, and discovered O Nineveh in thy vileness, thee shall flee With hatred, loathing, and abhorrence for her former pride, and wickedness, and for her present miseries. from thee, and say With wonder, scorn, rejoicing, and spreading the News. Nineveh is laid waste Taken, sackt, emptied of Inhabitants, yea, utterly subverted, that it may be no more a rival with Babylon, 'tis certain that 'tis not now where it once stood., who will bemoan Whose Bowels will be moved for her that had no Bowels for any one, who will move foot or hand toward her relief? her? whence From what place? She has wronged all her Neighbours, and ruin'd some of them, from amidst these, surely not one may be fetch't to speak comfortably to her; these do with reason upbraid her former cruelty and pride, and reioyce in her present calamity and ruine, and strangers will not be concern'd for her. shall I seek comforters for thee?

Art thou O Nineveh. better 'Tis generally supposed, that this was what we now call Alexandria, a City full of people, and as full of Luxury and Uncleanness, the sins whereof had brought it to ruin, though the History of it do not specifie time, person or means, &c. Art thou greater, stronger and wiser, more able to resist an enemy, and preserve thy self? Yet all her power was broken, her riches spoiled, and her glory buried in ruines. This known in those days, was a fit example to be set before the Ninevites, and though some conjecture the Prophet foretells what should befall populous No, to awaken the Ninevites, yet it seems incredible, that the Prophet should take an instance to terrifie secure Ninevites from somewhat to come to pass in after Ages. then populous No, that was scituate among the rivers In a place where the seven streams of Nilus very fairly might be accounted so many Rivers, and near to one of these streams toward the Sea, was this mighty and rich City seated., that had the waters round Though at some distance, yet at no great distance. about it, whose rampart Or defence of its walls on one side. was the sea That part of the midland Sea which was Mare Egyptiacum, and was Northward from the City., and her wall was from the sea. A mighty strong wall built from the Sea, on the parts Landward, where need was.

Ethiopia 'Tis not very probable that this Ethiopia should be that remote country that lay South of Egypt, though in truth 'tis possible, and while Egypt was in friendship with No-Amon, or Alexandria, the aids might in length of time come from Ethiopia, or Habassia. But there was a Cush, an Ethiopia in Arabia, near to Egypt and Alexandria, whose people were likest to undertake the assistance of Alexandria their Neighbour. See 2 Chron. 14.9. Ezek. 30.4, 5. and Hab. 3.7. and Egypt This No or Alexandria, was either a City subject to, and was part of Egypt, or if (as some conjecture) 'twas a free City, 'twas in league with Egypt. were her strength Furnishing Souldiers and Warlike Assistance on all occasions to Alexandria, which relyed on these confederates., and it was infinite They never made an end of their confederacies and warlike provisions. It is reported that when Amasis Reigned, Egypt reckoned twenty thousand Cities, and when Zerah King of Ethiopia came against Asa it was with an Army of ten hundred thousand men, and three hundred (thousand) chariots; these were the associates of Alexandria., Put Or Phuteans or the Moors, who lye along Westward of Alexandria. and Lubim The people that inhabited the parts of Africa, and thought to be that which is now called Cyrene, Vid. Ezek 30. were thy O Alexandria. helpers.

Yet she was carried away It is probable this might be about thirty years before; for about 3207, as Calvisius, or 3277, as Arch-Bishop sher. Sabacon King of Ethiopia invaded Egypt, took Bocchoris, and burnt him, which was not likely to be done without slaughter of men, and sacking of Towns, among which time No might be ruined, Now as Calvisius and Helvicus account about 3238, or as Usher 3307 An. Mund. Nahum appears, and flourisheth., she went into captivity This ingemination confirms the certainty of the thing, and intends to affect the Ninevites the more.; her young children Their innocent age was no safeguard to them. also were dashed in pieces First barbarously murthered, and then trod under soot in the streets, as was usual with those cruel bloody Souldiers, 2 Kings 8.12. Psal. 137.9. Isa. 13.16 at the top of all the streets; and they cast lots Either to put a scorn upon them, or else to prevent any contest about them being taken among many others together, and none could say this is my Prisoner. for her honourable men Citizens of note, or some Officers or Governours.; and all her great men Great in Place, Strength, Valour, Wisdom, and so likely to do the Conqueror a displeasure, should they not be secured were bound in chains of Iron or manacled, used as worst Slaves..

Thou O Nineveh, also shalt be drunken not only taste, but drink deep, yea, be drunk with the bitter Cup of Gods displeasure, and thine Enemies rage, Isa. 29.9. Obad 16., thou shalt be hid Either hide thy self, or be so weakned, and diminisht, that thou shalt no more appear, or else be as contemptible, laid by in some obscure place, fear and shame shall cover thee.; thou also O Nineveh as well as Alexandria, shalt seek shalt sue for, and intreat assistance, strength because or from the Enemy, i. e. Either thus in thy distress thou shalt seek for strength from such as are really thine Enemies, though they make a league with thee; or thus, thou shalt beg protection from thy Enemy that has captivated thee, and rely on the mercy of him against the rage of others. of the enemy.

All thy strong holds Castles, and fortified places, not one or two, but all of them shall be like figtrees easily shaken, with the first ripe figs whose weight, and ripeness will bring them quickly to the ground: if they be shaken if but very lightly toucht,, they shall even fall into the mouth into the hand of devouring, and hungry ones. of the eater.

Behold This may seem strange, but attend diligently, thou shalt see how this will be. thy people Those thou hirest, and are thine for pay; those that are born thine, all thy Warriours in the midst of thee where very Cowards use to be valiant, or where necessity makes Cowards valiant, where they sho'd show most valour, are women weak, afraid, flee away, and hide themselves, Ier. 48.41. and 51.30. God wo'd fill them with terrour, and they shall not dare to keep their Gates shut against the Enemy.: the gates The Cities, but especially the strong fortified Frontiers which should keep out the Enemy, of thy land shall be set wide shall either through fear or treachery be opened, wide opened to admit the Enemy. open unto thine enemies Chaldeans, and their Confederates., the fire shall devour When the Enemy is thus admitted, he shall burn either the City or the Gates and Bars, he will never trust, nor spare thee. thy bars With which the Gates were both shut and strengthened, 1 Sam. 23.7. Psal. 147.13..

Draw thee waters Fill all thy Cisterns, and make more, that thou want not for drink, ye draw the waters into the ditches, or graft about every Fort for the siege which thine Enemies will lay against thee., fortify Repair all decays, and strengthen all that is weak. thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter Set thy Brick-makers on work to prepare store of strongest Bricks,, make strong the brick-kill that the materials for thy Fortifications may be firm and good, all this is spoken with an Ironie, or derision of their fruitless labour..

There In the very Fortresses. shall the fire Either literally, or figuratively, the wrath of the Enemy hot as fire, or the Pestilence, or all together devour thee: the sword Of the Chaldeans, their Wars (after all that the Scythians have done against thee) these shall utterly destroy thee. shall cut thee off: it shall eat This tells us the manner how the Ninevites shall be destroyed, they shall be eaten up: thee up like the canker worm Either the Enemy shall as easily eat thee up, as the Canker worm eats the green Herb; or thou shalt as soon be devoured as Canker worms are destroyed by storms, rain, fire, or change of weather.: make thy self many They are innumerable, be thou so if thou canst be, all will be to no purpose. as the canker worm, make thy self many The same Ironie repeated, when the Ninevites have done all they can, they shall as fully, and s ddenly be destroyed as these Vermin are. as the locusts.

Thou hast multiplyed For number; and as the word may import thou hast greatned them, thou reliest on their purse, and interest. thy merchants Either literally or figuratively, thy great men, Princes and Rulers, which sold and bought, chap. 3. ver. 4. or thy Confederates, who by virtue of such Leagues have free Commerce with thee, and this most like to be the meaning. above the stars Proverbially taken for a very great number, of heaven: the canker This seems an abrupt speech, and may be thus made up, whatever thou thinkest of these, which thou both multiplyest, and magnifiest; I tell thee, O Nineveh! They are like the Canker worm, and Locu t worm spoileth wh ch spoil where ever they come, and do the greater mischief where they are greater in number, for they come for spoil, while they get by thee, they continue with thee. and fleeth When no more is to be gotten, they take wing, and flee away, leaving waste, and stench behind them, so will these serve thee O Nineveh. away.

Thy crowned Thy rich and wealthy Citizens, or thy Confederate Kings and Princes, or thy Tributary Princes. are as the locusts, and thy captains Hired or homeborn, rather the former, Commanders and Officers for numb r, and briskness, are like Locusts and great Grasshoppers, but all for show, nothing for help to thee; as the great grasshoppers, which camp As if they would guard the Grounds, about which they settle. in the hedges in the cold day This lasts while the season suits them., but when the sun ariseth When Trouble, War and Danger, like the parching Sun scalds them. they flee away They shift from the hedge they eat up., and their place is not known Thou shalt never know where to find them when thou needest, and they should help thee. where they were.

Thy shepherds Subordinate Magistrates, Rulers, and Counsellors, or Officers set over the Kingdom. slumber Are remiss, or mistake, or are heartless or dead, they cannot, or will not mind the publick concerns,, O king of Assyria His Name I meet not with, Asaradinus, or as the Scripture calls him Esarhaddon, may possibly be the Name and Man intended: thy nobles The brave, valiant, and famous men. shall dwell in the dust Either be buried as dead, or ly on the dust as faint, and weary, or be trampled on as worthless and useless,: thy people Thy Citizens, and Subjects in their great numbers. is scattered Partly through fear, shame, and astonishment; partly by violence of the invading Enemy. upon the mountains Where is neither safety nor provision against danger and want., and no man gathereth No one that will concern himself to preserve thy dispersed ones; so thou and they are left hopeless, and ruined, for the shepherds are some dead, and cannot, the rest slumber and will not, lay to heart their condition. them.

There is no healing In a word, thou Nineveh! must die, thy bruise he will not heal who gave it, and others cannot. God by the Chaldeans has wounded thee, and thy friends cannot bind up the wound. of thy bruise Shiver'd, and broken State.: thy wound is grievous Has brought a weakness on thee, thou art sick with thy wound, and faintest, not able to bear a cure.: all that hear the bruit of thee Of thy former carriage, and present calamities, shall clap the hands insulting and rejoycing over thee. over thee: for upon whom No Kingdom, State, City or Family almost round about thee; not one can be named. has not thy wickedness Thy Sins, thy Idolatry, Luxury, &c. Thy Tyranny, Pride, Oppression and Cruelty; Thy illegal, unpresidented violence passed without any bounds, and in most vehement and fierce manner, continually either alwaies treading down, and trampling upon those whom thou hadst subdued, or else having conquered and spoiled one State, didst forthwith fall upon some other. Thus all suffered by thee, and all rejoyce at thy utter downfal; and as none have cause to befriend thee, so none will find hearts to pity thee, or hands to help thee, but every one is ready to wish, that all who are, as thou wer, Enemy to Mankind, and Justice, may, as thou, perish without help or pity..