Nahum 2:1

CHAPTER II

Nineveh is now called upon to prepare for the approach of her

enemies, the instruments of Jehovah's vengeance, 1;

and the military array and muster, the very arms and dress, of

the Medes and Babylonians in the reigns of Cyaxares and

Nabopolassar; their rapid approach to the city; the process of

the siege, and the inundation of the river; the capture of the

place; the captivity, lamentation, and flight of the

inhabitants; the sacking of this immense, wealthy, and

exceedingly populous city; and the consequent desolation and

terror, are all described in the pathetic, vivid, and sublime

imagery of Hebrew poetry, 2-10.

This description is succeeded by a very beautiful and

expressive allegory, 11-12;

which is immediately explained, and applied to the city of

Nineveh, 13.

It is thought by some commentators that the metropolitan city

of the Assyrian empire is also intended by the tender and

beautiful simile, in the seventh verse, of a great princess

led captive, with her maids of honour attending her, bewailing

her and their own condition, by beating their breasts, and by

other expressions of sorrow.

NOTES ON CHAP. II

Verse Nahum 2:1. He that dasheth in pieces] Or scattereth. The Chaldeans and Medes.

Keep the munition] Guard the fenced places. From this to the end of the fifth verse, the preparations made at Nineveh to repel their enemies are described. The description is exceedingly picturesque.

Watch the way] By which the enemy is most likely to approach.

Make thy loins strong] Take courage.

Fortify thy power] Muster thy troops; call in all thy allies.