This prophet denounces the certain and approaching destruction of the Assyrian empire, particularly of Nineveh, which is described very minutely. Together with this is consolation for his countrymen, encouraging them to trust in God.
The justice and power of the Lord. (1-8) The overthrow of the Assyrians. (9-15)
@Verses 1-8 About a hundred years before, at Jonah's preaching, the Ninevites repented, and were spared, yet, soon after, they became worse than ever. Nineveh knows not that God who contends with her, but is told what a God he is. It is good for all to mix faith with what is here said concerning Him, which speaks great terror to the wicked, and comfort to believers. Let each take his portion from it: let sinners read it and tremble; and let saints read it and triumph. The anger of the Lord is contrasted with his goodness to his people. Perhaps they are obscure and little regarded in the world, but the Lord knows them. The Scripture character of Jehovah agrees not with the views of proud reasoners. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is slow to wrath and ready to forgive, but he will by no means acquit the wicked; and there is tribulation and anguish for every soul that doeth evil: but who duly regards the power of his wrath?
@Verses 9-15
There is a great deal plotted against the Lord by the
gates of hell, and against his kingdom in the world; but it will
prove in vain. With some sinners God makes quick despatch; and
one way or other, he will make an utter end of all his enemies.
Though they are quiet, and many very secure, and not in fear,
they shall be cut down as grass and corn, when the destroying
angel passes through. God would hereby work great deliverance
for his own people. But those who make themselves vile by
scandalous sins, God will make vile by shameful punishments. The
tidings of this great deliverance shall be welcomed with
abundant joy. These words are applied to the great redemption
wrought out by our Lord Jesus and the everlasting gospel, Ro
10:15. Christ's ministers are messengers of good tidings, that
preach peace by Jesus Christ. How welcome to those who see their
misery and danger by sin! And the promise they made in the day
of trouble must be made good. Let us be thankful for God's
ordinances, and gladly attend them. Let us look forward with
cheerful hope to a world where the wicked never can enter, and
sin and temptation will no more be known.
Nineveh's destruction foretold. (1-10) The true cause, their
sinning against God, and his appearing against them. (11-13)
@Verses 1-10
Nineveh shall not put aside this judgment; there is no
counsel or strength against the Lord. God looks upon proud
cities, and brings them down. Particular account is given of the
terrors wherein the invading enemy shall appear against Nineveh.
The empire of Assyria is represented as a queen, about to be led
captive to Babylon. Guilt in the conscience fills men with
terror in an evil day; and what will treasures or glory do for
us in times of distress, or in the day of wrath? Yet for such
things how many lose their souls!
@Verses 11-13
The kings of Assyria had long been terrible and cruel to
their neighbours, but the Lord would destroy their power. Many
plead as an excuse for rapine and fraud, that they have families
to provide for; but what is thus obtained will never do them any
good. Those that fear the Lord, and get honestly what they have,
shall not want for themselves and theirs. It is just with God to
deprive those of children, or of comfort in them, who take
sinful courses to enrich them. Those are not worthy to be heard
again, that have spoken reproachfully of God. Let us then come
to God upon his mercy-seat, that having peace with him through
our Lord Jesus Christ, we may know that he is for us, and that
all things shall work together for our everlasting good.
The sins and judgments of Nineveh. (1-7) Its utter
destruction. (8-19)
@Verses 1-7
When proud sinners are brought down, others should learn
not to lift themselves up. The fall of this great city should be
a lesson to private persons, who increase wealth by fraud and
oppression. They are preparing enemies for themselves; and if
the Lord sees good to punish them in this world, they will have
none to pity them. Every man who seeks his own prosperity,
safety, and peace, should not only act in an upright, honourable
manner, but with kindness to all.
@Verses 8-19
Strong-holds, even the strongest, are no defence against
the judgments of God. They shall be unable to do any thing for
themselves. The Chaldeans and Medes would devour the land like
canker-worms. The Assyrians also would be eaten up by their own
numerous hired troops, which seem to be meant by the word
rendered "merchants." Those that have done evil to their
neighbours, will find it come home to them. Nineveh, and many
other cities, states, and empires, have been ruined, and should
be a warning to us. Are we better, except as there are some true
Christians amongst us, who are a greater security, and a
stronger defence, than all the advantages of situation or
strength? When the Lord shows himself against a people, every
thing they trust in must fail, or prove a disadvantage; but he
continues good to Israel. He is a strong-hold for every believer
in time of trouble, that cannot be stormed or taken; and he
knoweth those that trust in Him.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
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