But Nineveh [is] of old like a pool of water
This was a very ancient city, built by Nimrod, as some say; or
rather by Ashur, as appears from ( Genesis
10:10 Genesis
10:11 ) and it was like fish pool, full of people, as it was
in the times of Jonah, who for their number may be compared both
to water and to fish; and likewise full of wealth and riches,
which for their instability may be signified by water also; and
moreover, like a pool of standing water, had never been liable to
any commotions and disturbances, but had remained from the
beginning in a tranquil and prosperous state; besides, some
regard may be had in a literal sense to its situation, being
watered by the river Tigris, and which was for its profit and
defence: so some copies of the Septuagint read the words,
``Nineveh is like a pool of water, the waters are her walls:''and the Syriac version is,
``Nineveh is as a lake of water, and is among the waters;''see ( Nahum 1:6 ) : yet they shall flee away;
the waters out of the pool, the sluices being opened, or the banks broken down; or the people out of the city, breaches being made in its walls, or its gates opened, and the enemy entering; when everyone would flee for his life, and make his escape in the best manner he could: stand, stand, [shall they cry];
either the generals and officers of the king of Assyria's army, to the soldiers running away; or the more courageous inhabitants of the city, to those that were timorous and seized with a panic, fleeing in the utmost consternation; or the enemy, as Kimchi, who shall call to them to stop, promising to spare their lives upon a surrender of them to them: but none shall look back;
and stand to hear what is said unto them, but make the best of their way, and flee with all their might and main.
