This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.
Ver. 15. This is the rejoicing city] Exultabunda, that could stand on no ground, but was ready to leap out of her skin as it were; her inhabitants were mere mirthmongers altogether set upon the merry pin; like the people of Tombutum in Africa, who spend their whole time in singing and dancing. Now the case is altered, and the Church, out of zeal for God's glory, thus insulteth over them.
That dwelt carelessly] As if situated in the clouds, above all fear; and altogether insuperable. Security ushereth in destruction. See Jeremiah 49:31,32 .
That said in her heart, I am, and there is none besides me] This was a proud word indeed. I am is one of God Almighty's names, Exodus 3:14, and there is none besides me is one of his titles, Isaiah 45:5; Isaiah 45:21; Isaiah 48:12. Thus empty man would be something (the toad would swell to the size of an ox), though man be born like a wild ass's colt, Job 11:12, and man being in honour, understandeth not that he is, or shortly shall be, like the beasts that perish: that die of the murrain, and so become carrion, good for nothing. Psalms 49:20 , pecoribus morticinis. Tremel.
“ Unde superbit homo cuius conceptio turpis,
Nasci poena, labor vita, necesse mori? ”
“Whence will man show his pride, whose conception is shameful,
to be born a penalty, life of work, and needs die”
How is she become a desolation ] Here the prophet, Nineven in Theatre statuit, et traducit apud Iudaeos (saith Calvin), setteth Nineveh upon the stage, and showeth his Jews the tragic end of her; how she should wonderfully be brought down beyond all expectation. God delighteth to make himself marvellous; he is the only true Thaumaturgus.
Every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand] In scorn, horror, and disdain; and why, see Nah 3:19 Lamentations 2:15; Lamentations 2:17 1 Kings 9:8 Eze 27:36 Micah 6:16. See Trapp on " Nah 3:19 " Surely God scorneth the scorners, Proverbs 3:34, and maketh that the merciless find no mercy, James 2:13 .