Nah. 2 The fearful and victorious armies of God against Nineveh.

He: some by mistake refer this to Sennacherib; it is more rightly referred to the Medes of Scythians or to the Chalthians, all which did somewhat against the Assyrians. That dasheth in pieces; that as a heavy and strong hammer breaks into pieces.

This confirms the prophet’s threat, either declaring that now, since God had sufficiently punished Jacob and Israel, he would next punish the proud Assyrian, as Isa.

The shield; one part for the whole of the armour and furniture, or harness. Of his, Medes or Chaldeans’, mighty men; soldiers, more particularly the brave and stout ones, who were the choice men of the army. Is made red; either coloured red by the dyer, or else dyed red with the blood of the slain.

The chariots of the Chaldean army, or the riders in the chariots, by their fierceness and carriage, by their cries and calls, heartening one another, and threatening the Assyrians.

This verse may indifferently refer either to Nineveh and its king making their defence, or to the Chaldeans and their king maintaining the siege; both act with rigour and diligence. Recount; muster, and give orders. Worthies; approved officers and commanders.

The gates of the rivers; of the city toward the river. Rivers, for river, or because of the greatness of Tigris, upon which Nineveh stood. Shall be opened: it is reported by Diodorus Siculus, Biblioth. 1. 3. c.

Huzzab: this is variously taken, but the most probable guess is, that it is meant of the queen, who kept close in the palace, or temple, as where she might be most safe in the strength and supposed sacredness of the place.

Nineveh is of old; a very ancient city, of great renown and strength. Like a pool of water; very populous, like a pool of water which hath been long breeding of fish, and is full of them.

Take: God speaks by his prophet, commanding that it be done, and foretelling that it certainly shall be done; and Scythians, Medes, and Chaldeans, or whoever else did associate in the war, and sacking of Nineveh, may be supposed to encourage one another in the plundering of the city.

She, Nineveh, taken, and under the proud insultings of the barbarous soldiers, is empty though once full of all store, yet now she is empty enough, many hands have been employed to spoil her, and void, citizens are either slipped away, or carried captives, and waste, desolate, and shall continue…

This is the insulting or deriding speech of all that see and note it. The dwelling of the lions; Nineveh, compared to a lion’s den. Lions; tyrants and bloody warriors, as Pul, Tiglath-pileser, and Shalmaneser. The feeding-place of the young lions; Nineveh.

The prophet continues the metaphor; this lion is the king of Assyria. Did tear in pieces; formerly did fall upon his neighbour nations, broke their strength, and robbed their treasuries and store-houses, and broke them in pieces. For his whelps; the young brood of the Assyrian royal family.

Behold: this calls for our attention. I, the God of Israel, whom thou hast despised and blasphemed, am against thee, Assyrian kingdom, and Nineveh, saith the Lord of hosts, whose command all must obey.