For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Ver. 3. For when they shall say] Security is the certain usher of destruction, as in Benhadad's army, and Pompey's before the Pharsalian field. Some of them contended for the priesthood, which was Caesar's office, others disposed of the consulships and offices in Rome, as if all were already their own; Pompey himself being so wretchedly reckless, that he never considered into what place he were best to retire if he lost the day.
Then shall sudden destruction] As philosophers say, that before a snow the weather will be warmish; when the wind lies, the great rain falls; and the air is most quiet when suddenly there will be an earthquake.
As travail upon a woman] 1. Certainly; 2. Suddenly; 3. Irresistibly, inevitably.