Nahum Pesher

The Nahum Pesher

[An interpretation of the prophet Nahum, applied to the community’s days; one of the few that names rulers plainly.]

“Where the lion went to enter, and the lion’s cub, with none to disturb.” The interpretation concerns Demetrius, king of Greece, who sought to enter Jerusalem on the counsel of the Seekers of Smooth Things; but God did not give the city into the hand of the kings of Greece from the days of Antiochus until the rise of the rulers of the Kittim. [Line damaged]

“The lion tears enough for his cubs, and fills his caves with prey.” The interpretation concerns the Lion of Wrath, who took vengeance on the Seekers of Smooth Things, and hanged men up alive — a thing not done before in Israel — for of one hanged alive upon the tree the Scripture speaks.

“Woe to the city of blood, full of lies.” The interpretation concerns the city of the Seekers of Smooth Things, in the last days, who walk in lies and falsehood. They lead many astray with their smooth teaching, their lying tongue and deceitful lip — kings, princes, priests, and people, with the sojourner who joins them. Cities and clans will perish through their counsel; nobles and rulers will fall by the rage of their tongues.

“Ephraim” are the Seekers of Smooth Things, whose evil counsel will be uncovered at the end, and their deeds laid bare before all Israel; and many will see their guilt and turn from them. “Manasseh” [Text missing] those whose greatness will be brought low in the time of judgment.

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