Nahum 3:9 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

It is not very probable that this Ethiopia should be that remote country that lay south of Egypt, though in truth it is possible, and while Egypt was in friendship with No Amon, or Alexandria, the aids might in length of time come from Ethiopia, or Abyssinia. But there was a Cush, an Ethiopia, in Arabia, near to Egypt and Alexandria, whose people were likest to undertake the assistance of Alexandria their neighbour. See 2 Chronicles 14:9 Ezekiel 30:4,5 Hab 3:7. This No, or Alexandria, was either a city subject to, and was part of Egypt, or if (as some conjecture) it was a free city, it was in league with Egypt. Were her strength; furnishing soldiers and warlike assistance on all occasions to Alexandria, which relied on these confederates. It was infinite; they never made an end of their confederacies and warlike provisions. It is reported, that when Amasis reigned Egypt reckoned twenty thousand cities, and when Zerah king of Ethiopia came against Asa it was with an army of ten hundred thousand men, and three hundred (thousand) chariots; these were the associates of Alexandria. Put, or Phuteans, or the Moors, who lie along westward of Alexandria. Lubim; the people that inhabited the parts of Africa, and thought to be that which is now called Cyrene: see Eze 30. Were thy helpers, O Alexandria.

Nahum 3:9

9 Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.d