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.
1:14. And the Lord will give a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name shall be sown: I will destroy the graven and molten thing out of the house of thy God, I will make it thy grave, for thou art disgraced.
Will give a commandment. . .That is, a decree, concerning thee, O king of Ninive, thy seed shall fail, etc.
1:15. Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, and that preacheth peace: O Juda, keep thy festivals, and pay thy vows: for Belial shall no more pass through thee again, he is utterly cut off.
Belial. . .The wicked one, viz., the Assyrian.
Nahum Chapter 2
God sends his armies against Ninive to destroy it.