Matthew Poole and continuators on Nahum 1:7

7 The LORD is good , a strong hold in the day of trouble , and he knoweth them that trust in him .

Though so terrible to his Enemies, to obstinate sinners, yet he is as gentle, kind, and good to his people, to Israel; so the Ch. Paraphr.

In his just severity he continueth to be good, None of that consuming anger comes from any want of goodness in God: Yea, 'tis as much an effect of his goodness, as just punishments on incorrigible Malefactors are the effects of goodness in a Judge, or Magistrate. But here the Prophet intends rather the kindness and grace of God towards his people to whom he doth good, and will do more, Psal. 73.1. and 119.68.

It might have been rendred good to be a strong hold, as the Hebr. affix imports, and is sometimes rendred. Though Israel seems to be exposed to the violence of Enemies, and to be without any munition or fortress, yet verily the Lord their God is for a defence and fortress to them, Psal. 31.3. and 61.3. Prov. 18.10. and is their strength also in that fortress.

At all times of affliction and danger, when outward pressures fill us with anguish and fears.

Discerneth, approveth, owneth, and will make it appear that he doth preserve, that he may deliver his peculiar ones. He knows the wicked, and will restrain, rebuke, and destroy them; he knows the good, and will protect, rescue, and save them.

Whether you consider them in a Body and Community, or by themselves, a part, or singly.

Believe, depend, and wait on God, they that depend by Faith, and wait with hope.

On God, or on Christ, or on the word and promise of God. So God was to those that trusted in his word of promise in Hezekiah's time.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] strength.; [illegible: 1 word] 1.6.