And it shall come to pass, that all they that look on you shall flee from you, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? from where shall I seek comforters for you?
that all.
Numbers 16:34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
Jeremiah 51:9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
Revelation 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
Nineveh.
Nahum 2:9,10 Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture…
Jeremiah 51:41-43 How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations! …
Revelation 18:16-19 And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! …
who.
Isaiah 51:19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
Jeremiah 15:5 For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?
Lamentations 2:13 What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee?
and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated;
Nineveh's devastation was prophesied by Nahum and fulfilled in 612 BC when the city was conquered by a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians. Archaeological evidence supports the historical account of Nineveh's destruction, with layers of ash and debris found at the site. The devastation was so complete that the city was lost to history for centuries, only rediscovered in the 19th century. This serves as a testament to the accuracy of biblical prophecy and the certainty of God's judgment against sin.
who will grieve for her?’
This rhetorical question emphasizes the lack of sympathy for Nineveh. The Assyrians were notorious for their brutality, and their enemies would have seen their downfall as divine retribution. The absence of mourners signifies the extent of Nineveh's alienation due to its oppressive actions. This can be contrasted with the mourning for Jerusalem in Lamentations, where the city's destruction is met with deep sorrow and lamentation, highlighting the difference in the relationship with God.
Where can I find comforters for you?”
The search for comforters underscores the isolation of Nineveh in its judgment. Unlike Israel, which had prophets and a covenant relationship with God, Nineveh had no one to intercede or offer solace. This reflects the broader biblical theme that those who oppose God and His people ultimately face judgment alone. The absence of comforters can be seen as a type of the final judgment, where those who reject God will find themselves without an advocate, contrasting with the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Comforter and Advocate for believers (1 John 2:1).
• The prophecy pictures people literally stepping back in horror as they behold Nineveh’s fall, just as onlookers did when God struck Egypt (Exodus 10:7) or when Babylon’s ruin was announced (Revelation 18:10).
• Recoil implies disgust as well as fear—echoing Jonah 3:5–10, where Nineveh once humbled itself; now, having returned to violence (Nahum 3:1), the city evokes only revulsion.
• God’s judgments are public and unmistakable. What He decrees in secret He performs in broad daylight (Luke 12:2–3), so that observers recognize His justice (Psalm 9:16).
• Devastated means emptied, desolate—fulfilling Nahum 2:10 and Zephaniah 2:13–15.
• Instead of mourning, the world responds with rhetorical indifference, mirroring Proverbs 11:10: “When the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.”
• Nineveh once inspired awe (2 Kings 19:36), but her cruelty left no genuine friends. When judgment comes, even former allies keep silent, as with Tyre (Ezekiel 26:17) and Babylon (Jeremiah 50:13).
• God Himself asks the question, underscoring that no advocate exists for an unrepentant oppressor (Lamentations 1:2).
• The absence of “comforters” contrasts sharply with God’s promise to comfort His covenant people (Isaiah 40:1). Mercy is available, yet only for those who humble themselves (James 4:6).
• Nineveh’s plight parallels the last–days fall of the world system in Revelation 18:9–19, where merchants weep for lost profits, not for the city’s soul—no true comforters there either.
Nahum 3:7 declares that Nineveh’s doom will be so complete that every passerby recoils, no one mourns, and no comfort can be found. The verse underlines God’s righteous judgment: persistent arrogance strips a people of sympathy, leaving only desolation. Just as He literally fulfilled this word against Assyria, He will also execute every promise of justice and grace given throughout Scripture.
(7) Shall flee from thee.--As in the case of the destruction of Korah, men flee from the stricken city lest they share her punishment. Nor is she an object of compassion whose cruelties have been as extensive as her empire. Hers is the fate of the fallen tyrant--left to__________"vainly groan.
With pangs unfelt before, unpitied and alone."
Verse 7. - Shall flee from thee. As an object of disgust, or fearing to be involved in thy ruin (Revelation 18:10, 15). Who will bemoan her? No one will pity her for her well deserved chastisement (Jeremiah 15:5). Whence shall I seek, etc.? Truly, nowhere in all the world (comp. Isaiah 51:19).