“A facie enim gladiorum fugerunt, a facie gladii imminentis, a facie arcus extenti, a facie gravis prælii.”
“For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. from the swords: or, for fear, etc: Heb. from the face, etc”
“For they flee from the sword—the sword that is drawn—from the bow that is bent, and from the stress of battle.”
“For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the heat of battle.”
“For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.”
I. A destroying army shall be brought upon them, with a sword, with a drawn sword, with a bow ready bent, and with all the grievousness of war, v. 15. It is probable that the king of Assyria, in some of the marches of his formidable and victorious army, took Arabia in his way, and, meeting with little resistance, made an easy prey of them. The consideration of the grievousness of war should make us thankful for the blessings of peace.
Verses 13-17 The Arabians lived in tents, and kept cattle. A destroying army shall be brought upon them, and make them an easy prey. We know not what straits we may be brought into before we die. Those may know the want of necessary food who now eat bread to the full. Neither the skill of archers, nor the courage of mighty men, can protect from the judgments of God. That is poor glory, which will thus quickly come to nothing. Thus hath the Lord said to me; and no word of his shall fall to the ground. We may be sure the Strength of Israel will not lie. Happy are those only whose riches and glory are out of the reach of invaders; all other prosperity will speedily pass away.