NAHUM, whose name signifies A COMFORTER, was a native of Elcese, or Elcesai, supposed to be a little town in Galilee. He prophesied, after the ten tribes were carried into captivity, and foretold the utter destruction of Ninive, by the Babylonians and Medes: which happened in the reign of JOSIAS.

 

 

 

 

[8] Of the place thereof: Viz., of Ninive.

 

[11] Shall come forth one: Some understand this of Sennacherib. But as his attempt against the people seems to have been prior to the prophecy of Nahum, we may better understand it of Holofernes.

[12] Though they were perfect: That is, however strong or numerous their forces may be, they shall be cut off; and their prince or leader shall pass away and disappear.

[14] Will give a commandment: That is, a decree, concerning thee, O king of Ninive, thy seed shall fail, etc.

[15] Belial: The wicked one, viz., the Assyrian.

 

Chapter 2

[2] Hath rendered the pride of Jacob: He hath punished Jacob for his pride; and therefore Ninive must not expect to escape. Or else, rendering the pride of Jacob means rewarding, that is, punishing Ninive for the pride they exercised against Jacob.

[3] Of his mighty men: He speaks of the Chaldeans and Medes sent to destroy Ninive.-- Ibid.

[3] Stupefied: consopiti. That is, they drive on furiously like men intoxicated with wine.

[5] Stumble in their march: By running hastily on.

 

Chapter 3

[8] Populous Alexandria: No-Ammon. A populous city of Egypt destroyed by the Chaldeans, and afterwards rebuilt by Alexander, and called Alexandria. Others suppose No-Ammon to be the same as Diospolis.

[17] Locusts of locusts: The young locusts.