Nahum 2:8 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.

But - rather, 'though' (G.V. Smith).

Is of old - rather, from the days that she hath been, from the earliest period of her existence. Alluding to Nineveh's antiquity (Genesis 10:11).

Yet they shall flee away. 'Though Nineveh has been of old defended by water surrounding her, yet her inhabitants shall flee away.' Grotius, less probably (cf. Nahum 3:8-12), interprets, the 'waters' of her numerous population (Isaiah 8:7; Jeremiah 51:13; Revelation 17:15).

Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back - i:e., the few patriotic citizens shall cry to their fleeing countrymen; 'but none looketh back,' much less stops in flight, so panic-stricken are they.

Nahum 2:8

8 But Nineveh is of olde like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.