Matthew Poole and continuators on Nahum 1:3

3 The LORD is slow to anger , and great in power , and will not at all acquit the wicked : the LORD hath his way▪ in the whirlwind , and in the storm , and the clouds are the dust of his feet .

Not slack, as some count slackness, 2 Pet. 3.9. either in performing promise, or executing threats; but very wisely patient, and long suffering which is ever temper'd with great mercy, and both are joyned together in his Providence, and in his word; see Exod. 34.6. Numb. 14.18. Neh. 9.17. Psal. 103.8. and 145.8. Ioel 2.13. Ion. 4.2.

Just displeasure conceive[illegible: 1 letter] and expressed; the Lord doth not presently entertain resentments of displeasure, nor make sinners feel them, He doth now, as he long hath forborn, you oh sinful Ninevites! Oh cruel Assyrians, but consider it, his slow anger will be the heavier when it falls on you.

Most mighty in Power, which restrains the rage of Enemies, defends and supports his oppressed ones, and in a moment can destroy those that have deserved, yet fear not his Anger; that the Assyrians are not yet destroyed is the effect of Patience, not of impotence, in the God of Israel.

This is spoken to awaken the secure Kingdom, in which many, 'tis like, were as the Scoffers, 2 Pet. 3.4. ready to say all things do continue as they were, there will be no change, no judgment against the wicked. But our Prophet assures such, that as there is great Power with God, he can, so there is exact justice, and stedfast resolution, he will judge.

Neither pronounce them innocent by sentence of judgment, nor let them escape as if innocent by a perpetuated forbearance in the course of his Providence; but sooner, or later, in due season the wickedness, or righteousness of men shall be upon them.

The incorrigible, hardned, and persisting sinner.

Either the methods of his Providence, his usual path; or else his way intimating the unerring steddiness of Providence, the straight, and known path; however to us it may seem, yet certainly God knows and keeps the right way.

Which riseth suddenly, and with violence beareth before it all things that stand in its way, which none can prevent, which no man can calm, which is attended with terrour and amazement, Iob 27.20. Isaiah 17.13. and 29.6. A[illegible: 1 letter]os 1.14. so will destruction from the mighty and just displeasure of God come upon his Adversaries, and on you Ninevit[illegible: 1 letter]s and Assyrians when you shall fall before this Whirlwind, and Tempest, so all impenitent sinners perish, Prov. 1.27.

Heb. Speaks a dr[illegible: 1 letter]adful Tempest which makes men full of horrour; 'tis an elegant ingemination of the same thing to affect hearers the more.

Though he be surounded with darkness, yet as an Army afar of is discovered by the dust that their feet raise, so will God at last appear as an Enemy with great Power marching against his Enemies.

And from above, as well as from the darkness of clouds destroy them, this is spoken after the manner of man, and must be applyed as beseems God.

Marginal references: Psal. 13.7. Hab. 3.5.11.12.