Matthew Poole and continuators on Nahum 1:12

12 Thus saith the LORD , Though they be quiet , and likewise many , yet thus shall they be cut down , when he shall pass through: Though I have afflicted thee , I will afflict thee no more .

This addeth weight to his prediction, it comes under the great Seal of Heaven.

Or if they would have been quiet and peaceable towards my people Israel, they, i. e. the Assy[illegible: 1 letter]ians, should have been many, &c. but I think 'tis nearer to the intent of the place to retain our Version. Though

Citizens of Nineveh, and people of Assyria

Be secure, and fear no danger, because of their strength and Victories.

As appears by the mighty Army with which they besieged Ierusalem in which 185000 were cut off in one night.

Irresistibly, suddenly, and universally as is foretold, ver. 10.

The Prophet varieth his phrase, for ver. 10. he speaks of it as done by fire, here he speaks of cutting down, intimating that 'twas the Sword, which should cut them off.

Either God, the mighty and terrible one, passing over as a floud, as 'tis, ver. 8. Or else the Angel of the Lord, as 2 King. 19.35.

The Lord who am good to my people.

O Israel,

chastised by the Assyrian, the Rod of mine Anger, hast thou been, O my people! but I will no more use that Rod.

For they should soon cease to be a Nation that ruleth, and be conquer'd, and opprest by others.

Marginal references: Or, if they would have been at peace, so should they have been many, and so should they have been shorn, and he should have passed away.; Zeph. 2.13, 14, 15.; Heb. shorn.