Matthew Poole and continuators on Nahum 3:16

16 Thou hast multiplyed thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the canker worm spoileth and fleeth away.

For number; and as the word may import▪ thou hast greatned them, thou reliest on their purse, and interest.

Either literally or figuratively, thy great men, Princes and Rulers, which sold and bought, chap. 3. ver. 4. or thy Confederates, who by vertue of such Leagues have free Commerce with thee, and this most like to be the meaning.

Proverbially taken for a very great number,

This seems an abrupt speech, and may be thus made up, whatever thou thinkest of these, which thou both multiplyest, and magnifiest; I tell thee, O Nineveh! They are like the Canker worm, and Locu[illegible: 1 letter]t

wh[illegible: 1 letter]ch spoil where ever they come, and do the greater mischief where they are greater in number, for they come for spoil, while they get by thee, they continue with thee.

When no more is to be gotten, they take wing, and flee away, leaving waste, and stench behind them, so will these serve thee O Nineveh.

Marginal references: Or spreadeth [illegible: 1 word].