Nahum 1:4 - Exposition

The great physical changes and convulsions in the world are tokens of God's wrath on sinful nations. He rebuketh the sea, as at the passage of the Red Sea ( Exodus 14:21 ; Psalms 106:9 ). This is a sign of omnipotence (comp. Luke 8:24 ). All the rivers. A generalization from the miracle at the Jordan ( Joshua 3:1-17 .; comp. Psalms 107:33 ; Isaiah 1:2 ). Septuagint, ποταμοὺς ἐξερημῶν , "making rivers desolate;" Vulgate , flumina ad desertum deducens. Bashan (see note on Amos 4:1 ). Carmel (see on Amos 1:2 ). Flower of Lebanon. This district was famous, not only for its cedars, but also for its vines and flowers (comp. Hosea 14:7 ; So Hosea 4:11 ). These three regions are mentioned as remarkable for their fertility, and they occur most naturally to the mind of a native of Galilee, as was Nahum. They also geographically are the eastern, western, and northern boundaries of the land. They are used here proverbially to express the truth that God can cause the most luxuriant regions to wither at his word.