1:7. The Lord is good, and giveth strength in the day of trouble: and knoweth them that hope in him.
1:8. But with a flood that passeth by, he will make an utter end of the place thereof: and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
Of the place thereof… Viz., of Ninive.
1:9. What do ye devise against the Lord? he will make an utter end: there shall not rise a double affliction.
1:10. For as thorns embrace one another: so while they are feasting and drinking together, they shall be consumed as stubble that is fully dry.
1:11. Out of thee shall come forth one that imagineth evil against the Lord, contriving treachery in his mind.
Shall come forth one, etc… Some understand this of Sennacherib. But as his attempt against the people seems to have been prior to the prophecy of Nahum, we may better understand it of Holofernes.
1:12. Thus saith the Lord: Though they were perfect: and many of them so, yet thus shall they be cut off, and he shall pass: I have afflicted thee, and I will afflict thee no more.
Though they were perfect, etc… That is, however strong or numerous their forces may be, they shall be cut off; and their prince or leader shall pass away and disappear.
1:13. And now I will break in pieces his rod with which he struck thy back, and I will burst thy bonds asunder.