Nah 2:1 | JFB | STEP | 1. He that dasheth in pieces-- God's "battle axe," wherewith He "breaks in pieces" His enemies. applies the same Hebrew term to Nebuchadnezzar (compare ; , "the hammer of the whole earth"). Here the Medo-Babylonian army under Cyaxares and Nabopolassar, that destroyed Nineveh, is prophetically meant. before thy face-- before Nineveh. Openly, so that the work of God may be manifest. watch the way-- by which the foe will attack, so as to be ready to meet him. Ironical advice; equivalent to a prophecy, Thou shalt have need to use all possible means of defense; but use what thou wilt, all will be in vain. make thy loins strong-- The loins are the seat of strength; to gird them up is to prepare all one's strength for conflict ( ). Also gird on thy sword ( ; ).

‏ Nahum 2:1

CHAPTER 2 Na 2:1-13. The Advance of the Destroying Forces against Nineveh, after It Was Used as God's Rod for a Time to Chastise His People: The Capture of That Lion's Dwelling, According to the Sure Word of Jehovah.

1. He that dasheth in pieces--God's "battle axe," wherewith He "breaks in pieces" His enemies. Jr 51:20 applies the same Hebrew term to Nebuchadnezzar (compare Pr 25:18; Jr 50:23, "the hammer of the whole earth"). Here the Medo-Babylonian army under Cyaxares and Nabopolassar, that destroyed Nineveh, is prophetically meant.

before thy face--before Nineveh. Openly, so that the work of God may be manifest.

watch the way--by which the foe will attack, so as to be ready to meet him. Ironical advice; equivalent to a prophecy, Thou shalt have need to use all possible means of defense; but use what thou wilt, all will be in vain.

make thy loins strong--The loins are the seat of strength; to gird them up is to prepare all one's strength for conflict (Job 40:7). Also gird on thy sword (2Sa 20:8; 2Ki 4:29).