he 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.
he sins and judgments of Nineveh. (1-7) Its utter
destruction. (8-19)