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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Nahum 3:4 - 3:4
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Because of the multitude of the whoredoms - This assigns the reason for Nineveh’s destruction.
of the well-favoured harlot - As Assyria was not a worshipper of the true God, “whoredoms” cannot mean, as in the case of Israel, apostasy to the worship of false gods; but, her harlot-like artifices whereby she allured neighboring states so as to subject them to herself. As the unwary are allured by the “well-favored harlot’s” looks, so Israel, Judah (for example, under Ahaz, who, calling to his aid Tiglath-pileser, was made tributary by him, 2Ki 16:7-10), and other nations, were tempted by the plausible professions of Assyria, and by the lure of commerce (Rev 18:2, Rev 18:3), to trust her.
witchcrafts - (Isa 47:9, Isa 47:12). Alluding to the love incantations whereby harlots tried to dement and ensnare youths; answering to the subtle machinations whereby Assyria attracted nations to her.
selleth - deprives of their liberty; as slaves used to be sold: and in other property also sale was a usual mode of transfer. Maurer understands it of depriving nations of their freedom, and literally selling them as slaves to distant peoples (Joe 3:2, Joe 3:3, Joe 3:6-8). But elsewhere there is no evidence that the Assyrians did this.
families - peoples.